Stories
Making Medical History
Thanks to donor support, Providence St. Joseph Hospital is first in the world to acquire eCential Robotics’ open spine platform
Providence St. Joseph Hospital has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in spinal surgery by being the first hospital in the world to acquire the eCential Robotics open spine platform. This leading-edge technology, fondly named “Jerome” after the CEO of eCential Robotics, marks a significant advancement in spinal surgery, promising enhanced surgical precision and improved patient outcomes.
Donations totaling nearly $2 million fully funded the hospital’s acquisition of this revolutionary system. The Foundation raised $639,000 during its 2023 golf tournament, and many individual donors also played a crucial role. This outpouring of support underscores our community’s commitment to bringing advanced treatments to Providence St. Joseph Hospital.
“This is a remarkable achievement for our hospital and the entire community,” says Amy Daugherty, chief philanthropy officer. “The support we received demonstrates the power of collective philanthropy in driving medical innovation and improving patient care. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this transformative project.”
First-ever robotic spinal surgery
Last July, Providence St. Joseph surgeons performed the world’s first robotic spinal surgery using the new all-in-one surgical platform that combines 2D/3D imaging, real-time navigation and robotics for bone surgery.
“We are relentless in our pursuit of excellence in patient care,” says neurosurgeon Erick Westbroek, M.D., who performed one of the first procedures with the new technology. “This advanced platform enables us to perform minimally invasive surgeries with high predictability, reproducibility and outcomes.”
As a designated Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery, Providence St. Joseph Hospital is already a destination for patients who travel to seek treatment from our renowned spine and orthopedic surgeons. With this acquisition, the hospital is poised to remain at the forefront of world-class surgical care.
“This advanced technology provides yet another sophisticated platform for our surgeons to do what they do best,” says Brian Helleland, chief executive of Providence St. Joseph Hospital and the Orange County/High Desert area. “The unwavering support of our donors was the key to making this achievement possible.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to this remarkable milestone. We look forward to the continued collaboration that enables us to lead the way in medical innovation.”
More Stories
More Stories
Navigating the Cancer Journey
When Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer, Nurse Navigator Angela Acevedo became her advocate, guide and support -- from the initial meeting with the oncologist to the final chemotherapist treatment. I will never forget all the ways Angela helped me through a very difficult time in my life,” reflects Jane.
Minutes that make a difference
Michael Lora woke up not knowing he would be fighting for his life later that day. Within hours he was being transported to St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Care Center. He was immediately met by a team of nurses and doctors, including Dr. Peter Smethurst who recommended antibiotics which ended up saving his life.
The heart of the matter
“I was a ticking time bomb. A heart attack waiting to happen.” Carrol was informed she needed immediate bypass surgery, but a rare genetic disorder would make it unsafe to perform. That’s when St. Joseph Hospital came through with a new, minimally invasive technique.
Giving from the heart and home
Now retired, Drs. Amin decided they were at the right time in their lives to downsize, but more importantly, to give back to the community they cherished in a significant way. Their extraordinary generosity will help fund Nursing Excellence and Behavioral Health.
A life devoted to caring
Shirley Moretti, a donor and friend, said it best. “When we focus on others, we learn about ourselves.” Giving back to others was one of her greatest joys in life — it filled her heart and inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
One of the best ever
More than 300 golfers enjoyed a day that included two 18-hole courses of golf and raised more than $405,000 in support of the St. Joseph Hospital’s Cardiovascular Program.
A record-breaking event
Supported by Marsha Moeller and presented by Centaurus Financial, Inc. and The Gooding-Barry and Immell Families, Celebration 2019 raised a record-breaking $676,000 for the Nursing Center of Excellence while celebrating 90 years of healing at St. Joseph Hospital.
The best inspires confidence
When he needed a scan to check for cancer, Terrance was nervous to say the least. “The tech prepping me for my PET/CT scan told me that my diagnostic test would be done with the new equipment just received. He said that it was the 'best of the best' and made possible by generous donor support” said Terrance.
Share