CIBC Invests $300,000 to Advance Robotic Cancer Surgery at KHSC

06 Oct, 2026

Dr. Sunil Patel performing colorectal robotic surgery

Generous investment will help expand access to leading-edge minimally invasive cancer surgery for patients across southeastern Ontario

Cancer patients across southeastern Ontario will benefit from greater access to leading-edge surgical care thanks to a $300,000 investment from CIBC in support of Kingston Health Sciences Centre’s A. Britton Smith Q.C. Robotics Program.

As one of Canada’s leading robotic surgery programs, KHSC performs more than 400 robot-assisted procedures annually and is the only hospital between Toronto and Montreal offering this advanced technology. The program has transformed cancer care for patients across the region, with most robotic procedures performed for colorectal, lung, prostate, kidney, and gynecologic cancers.

Advancing minimally invasive cancer care

Demand for robotic surgery continues to grow as clinicians recognize the benefits of minimally invasive approaches for patients.

“Robotic surgery allows us to perform complex cancer operations through very small incisions, which means less pain, less trauma to the body and significantly faster recovery times for patients,” said Dr. Sunil Patel, Surgical Lead for KHSC’s robotic surgery program and Associate Professor & Attending in the Department of Surgery at Queen’s University.

“Instead of spending a week in hospital after a major operation, some patients are able to return home the next day. It’s a remarkable advancement in surgical care.”

Using high-definition visualization and highly precise robotic instruments, surgeons can operate with exceptional accuracy in areas of the body that can be difficult to reach using traditional surgical techniques. For patients, this can mean greater precision, shorter hospital stays, and improved recovery.

Investing in the future of robotic surgery

CIBC’s donation, made through the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF), will support the acquisition and renewal of advanced robotic technology, specialized surgical equipment, and instruments. This investment will help KHSC continue to meet growing demand while ensuring patients can benefit from the latest innovations in minimally invasive surgical care.

The gift comes at an important time for the program. KHSC recently added a second robotic platform, while the existing robot has also received an upgrade. Together, these advancements will allow more surgeons to be trained and increase the number of patients who can access robotic surgery.

“CIBC believes in a world where cancer is no longer a barrier to ambition,” said Karine Abgrall-Teslyk, SVP, Region Head, Ontario East and West Region, CIBC. “We’re proud of our partnership with KHSC and its incredible A. Britton Smith Q.C. Robotics Program, which is helping advance surgical innovation in cancer care.”

Supporting patients closer to home

The investment is part of a broader commitment to ensuring patients across southeastern Ontario can access high-quality, innovative cancer care close to home.

“The foundation and the hospital are incredibly grateful to CIBC for this generous investment,” said Paul McIntyre Royston, President and CEO of UHKF. “The biggest win is for patients. Gifts like this help deliver high-quality care to everyone and ensure more people can benefit from robotic surgery when they need it most.”

Through continued investment in robotic technology, KHSC is building on its leadership in surgical innovation and expanding access to advanced cancer surgery for patients throughout the region.

Learn more about the A. Britton Smith Q.C. Robotics Program and how robotic surgery is transforming cancer care at KHSC.

CIBC Invests $300,000 to Advance Robotic Cancer Surgery at KHSC

Generous investment will help expand access to leading-edge minimally invasive cancer surgery for patients across southeastern Ontario

Advancing minimally invasive cancer care

Investing in the future of robotic surgery

Supporting patients closer to home

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