WinnMed in Decorah, Iowa has been awarded a $700,000 federal appropriations grant for surgical equipment, sponsored by Congresswoman Ashely Hinson. The award was announced to WinnMed leadership following the re-opening of the government in November. The dollars will support the recent purchase of a da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot, the newest version of this robotic equipment by Intuitive. It is only the second in the state of Iowa, following University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Congresswoman Hinson said, “Earlier this year, I got to tour the improvements underway at WinnMed in Decorah and see their lifesaving services firsthand. I’m so proud to have helped secure federal funding for surgical department upgrades at WinnMed. This project will equip WinnMed with state-of-the-art surgical technology—expanding access to safe, minimally invasive surgeries in rural Iowa and reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for care. I will continue fighting to improve access to care in rural Iowa.”
The da Vinci 5 allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions, which can lead to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Its advanced features include improved ergonomics for surgeons, high-definition 3D visualization, and refined instrument control, all designed to elevate the surgical experience. Erik Brink, D.O., WinnMed General Surgeon, was the first to use the equipment in early November. He said, “It was an honor and privilege to begin to offer the very best in safety and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Many patients will benefit from the increased capability of WinnMed.”
WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer Steve Slessor said, “We are incredibly thankful to receive the appropriations grant and be selected by Congresswoman Hinson’s office as one of her projects to fund. Coming at a time of rapid growth at WinnMed, being able to have support to help fund much needed (but expensive) equipment like a surgical robot helps accelerate our progress to bring this technology to our region.”
