Robotic Surgery Transforms Cancer Treatment on Vancouver Island

A pioneering campaign on Vancouver Island is revolutionizing surgical cancer care through advanced robotic technology. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation has launched a significant initiative, titled “It’s Time for Surgical Evolution,” aimed at raising $21 million to expand the Island’s first surgical robotics program. This campaign is particularly focused on enhancing patient outcomes at Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and Victoria General Hospital (VGH), the region’s two primary referral and acute care centres.

This initiative represents the second phase of the Foundation’s commitment to improving surgical excellence across 33 operating rooms in both hospitals. A transformative $7.5 million matching donation from a local philanthropist will effectively double the impact of each contribution made during this holiday season. The Foundation expresses sincere gratitude to all donors, caregivers, and community supporters who have rallied around this cause, emphasizing that every contribution, whether financial or through shared stories, plays a vital role in this mission.

One personal story highlights the profound impact of this campaign. Gerald Kersten, a patient ambassador for the Foundation, shared his journey with prostate cancer and how robotic-assisted surgery provided him a viable treatment option when traditional surgery was too risky.

Kersten described the moment he received his cancer diagnosis as life-altering. He faced an uncertain future, compounded by a rare blood clotting disorder that made conventional surgery perilous. “When my urologist, Dr. Michael Metcalfe, informed me that Royal Jubilee Hospital had acquired a new da Vinci surgical robot, funded by our generous community, it restored my hope,” he recalled.

The advanced surgical technology offered a path forward for Kersten. Dr. Metcalfe explained that the da Vinci system significantly reduces recovery time, lowers the risk of complications, and enhances surgical precision. “Hearing that robotic surgery is now becoming the standard of care for prostate cancer worldwide gave me even more confidence in my decision,” Kersten stated.

With the availability of this state-of-the-art technology on Vancouver Island, Kersten felt he could remain close to his family and support network during treatment, avoiding the need to travel to larger cities for care. “Friends suggested I seek treatment in Vancouver, Toronto, or even the U.S., but I was able to receive exceptional care right here,” he noted.

Kersten underwent surgery in July 2025 and experienced a remarkably swift recovery. He returned to work just ten days post-surgery and was cycling again within two weeks. “In four weeks, I rode 90 kilometres, and by six weeks, I was on a dream cycling trip to Italy,” he shared enthusiastically. His successful recovery can be attributed to the precision of robotic-assisted surgery, which left him with only four small, dime-sized scars.

Reflecting on his experience, Kersten emphasized the quality of care he received, stating, “From the nurses and orderlies to the surgeons, every person treated me with compassion and respect.” Dr. Metcalfe maintained a personal connection throughout the process, regularly checking in on Kersten’s progress.

Now a dedicated advocate for the Foundation, Kersten has also become a donor, passionate about the potential of robotic technology in healthcare. “I want to see more advanced robotics in our hospitals so that more patients can experience positive recoveries like I did,” he affirmed.

“Dr. Metcalfe changed my life, and this advanced technology saved my life. It’s truly a gift in every sense,” Kersten concluded. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of community support and medical innovation, highlighting how advancements in surgical care can lead to life-changing outcomes for patients facing serious health challenges.