- May 15, 2025
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Del Tierra resident Jennifer Biery, a respiratory therapist at the hospital since 2004, tries her hand at the new Da Vinci robotic surgery equipment.
Suan Wenzel, of Grand Living, learns about the da Vinci SI Robot from robotics coordinator Elizabeth Burke.
The da Vinci Si surgical robot can assist surgeons with laparoscopic and open surgery procedures.
East County residents Susan Cabanillas, Carole Cowan and Janet Goldberg volunteer with the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary and made sure to attend.
Manatee Healthcare System CEO Kevin DiLallo said it takes great leadership to see such a project to fruition.
Hospital officials, contractors and others celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
In front: Hospital board member Bryan Boudreaux, Hospital Board Chairman Dr. Robert Hillstrom and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Andy Guz participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Dr. Miguel Pelayo and physician liaison Mary Ellen Woska, both of Florida Cancer Specialists, say there is a demand for the robot-assisted surgery.
The recovery area for the new cath lab has several places for patients.
Hospitalist Dr. Andrew Faber explains to guest about how physicians identify when patients have major blood vessels closing.
Nurse Lyn Swann shows off the new heart catheterization lab during a tour of the expansion.
Lead nurse Pamela Coil talks about the various components of the new operating room, including lights used to focus on the area of surgery.
Del Tierra resident Jennifer Biery normally spends her days at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center caring for patient’s lungs as a respiratory therapist.
But on July 11, she pretended to be a surgeon, testing her hands on the hospital’s new da Vinci Si Surgical system. The robotic surgical equipment was available for demonstration and trial during the grand opening celebration for Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s $28.5 million expansion project.
“It’s pretty awesome to put my hands where a surgeon has,” Biery said.
The expansion to the hospital includes; two new operating rooms with space for two more, a second heart catheterization lab, a new advanced MRI system, an additional technologically-advanced CT scanner, an expanded an enhanced surgical waiting area, a new location for the Breast Health Center and new administrative office space.
More than 150 people attended the grand opening, held in the hospital’s main lobby. Guests enjoyed food and drink, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the new facilities.
