Ajax Pickering Hospital is now home to the most advanced orthopedic robotic technology in Canada. Lakeridge Health officially launched its new Stryker 4.0 Orthopedic Robotics Platform at the Ajax hospital on Wednesday, making it the first organization in the country to offer the system.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kaj Ravichandiran became the first surgeon in Canada to perform a joint replacement using the platform, establishing a new national benchmark for orthopedic surgery, according to a Lakeridge Health news release.
The technology was made possible by a $2-million donation from the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation to the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, which supported the purchase of Lakeridge Health's first orthopedic robot. The launch was held just days before what would have been Jerry Coughlan's 90th birthday, honouring one of Durham Region's most generous philanthropists.
"Jerry believed deeply in giving back to the community he loved and helped build, wanting future generations to be healthy and vibrant," said Lyn Dunlop-Coughlan, Jerry Coughlan's widow and one of the trustees of the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation. "We often say we are the Uber drivers of Jerry's generosity because he spent his lifetime working hard to build a great business and was glad to share his success. We also hope his example inspires others to experience the joy of giving and the excitement of helping transform bold ideas into better health care for Durham Region and beyond."
The new platform expands Lakeridge Health's robotic surgery program beyond its existing da Vinci Surgical System, which launched at Oshawa Hospital in 2022 through donations to the Lakeridge Health Foundation. Since then, more than 1,055 robotic-assisted procedures have been completed across urology, thoracic surgery, gynecology, colorectal surgery and general surgery through to the end of June 2026.
The 4.0 orthopedic platform adds both primary and complex revision joint replacement procedures to that roster.
"Robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery combines the expertise of our surgical teams with advanced technology to help us plan and perform joint replacement procedures with an even greater level of precision," said Dr. Ravichandiran. "For our patients, that means personalized care, greater surgical accuracy, and the potential for an improved recovery experience."
Lakeridge Health President and CEO Cynthia Davis said the orthopedics launch is part of the organization's broader strategic plan for 2026 to 2031, which lists innovation and technology for better care as one of four strategic directions. She thanked the Coughlan foundation and the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation for their partnership in making the program possible.
"Jerry Coughlan believed everyone deserved access to exceptional health care close to home, and his generosity continues to make that vision a reality," said Steven Cook, Chief Executive Officer of the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation. "This transformational gift will benefit patients for generations while helping ensure our community has access to the very best in surgical innovation."
The Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation raises funds that directly benefit patients at Ajax Pickering Hospital and the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, as well as residents of Lakeridge Gardens Long-Term Care Home.
Lakeridge Health operates five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home and more than 30 community-based locations, supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians and volunteers across Durham Region.
