The NORTH Foundation hosted the last Philanthropy Champions Breakfast of the year on Thursday 20 November, providing a moment to celebrate the clinicians who have been instrumental in advancing a culture of philanthropy across the district. Launched earlier this year, our Philanthropy Champions Program has quickly become a cornerstone of recognition – highlighting individuals whose leadership and commitment have helped turn ambitious projects into reality.
Guest speaker Dr Kai Brown reflected on one of the district’s milestone achievements: the acquisition of a surgical robot. But the journey was not without challenges. For years, patients requiring robotic surgery faced significant expense, relying on outsourcing or private hospitals. Thanks to philanthropic support through a bequest from former patient Alexandria “Alexis” Phirros, public patients now have access to gold-standard care.
Since its arrival in July, the surgical robot has already transformed clinical practice. In just three months, approximately 50 procedures have been completed – matching the annual rate of previous combined public and private efforts. Beyond patient care, the robot has delivered significant educational benefits:
- Nurses have been trained in robotic nursing.
- Junior doctors are gaining hands-on experience.
- The dual console has enabled real-time teaching, with 75% of early cases incorporating training.
Dr Brown noted that the program has also boosted morale among surgical staff and fostered a positive environment for innovation.
The breakfast also served as a platform to acknowledge the broader cultural transformation underway. Michael Ellies, Chair of the NORTH Foundation Board, expressed satisfaction with the exponential progress achieved, crediting staff champions for their collaboration.
Importantly, the event reinforced the NORTH Foundation’s strategic priority of embedding philanthropy into the NSLHD’s identity. By celebrating clinicians who actively engage with us, the Philanthropy Champions Breakfasts highlight how philanthropy is not only about funding but about fostering relationships and shared purpose.
As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the clinicians whose dedication have made philanthropy a driving force for change. With momentum building, our team is looking ahead to 2026, confident that generosity and innovation will continue to shape the future of healthcare for all.
