Hawkesbury, ON – March 27, 2026

Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) reached an important milestone on Tuesday with the successful completion of its first procedure using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution by Johnson & Johnson, marking a significant step forward in surgical innovation at the organization. 

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Garceau performed the procedure, becoming the first at HGH to use this advanced technology. The VELYS™ system enhances surgical precision and consistency, directly reducing postoperative pain and inflammation and supporting improved patient recovery. 

Dr. Garceau shared his enthusiasm following the procedure, emphasizing both the impact of the technology and the strength of the HGH team. 

This is exactly the type of technology HGH needs, said Dr. Garceau. It fits naturally into our practice and helps us deliver more precise, patient-centred care. I was once again impressed by the nursing team’s preparedness and support throughout the procedure.

The introduction of this technology reflects HGH’s continued commitment to equipping its teams with the tools needed to provide high-quality, modern care close to home. 

Frédéric Beauchemin, President and Chief Executive Officer of HGH, also highlighted the importance of this investment: 

At HGH, we are committed to continuously evolving to meet the needs of our community, said Mr. Beauchemin. The addition of the VELYS™ system reflects our dedication to innovation, but above all, to improving the experience and outcomes of our patients. It is also a testament to the expertise and adaptability of our teams, who consistently rise to the challenge of integrating new technologies into their practice.

Dr. Paul E. Beaulé, Chief of Staff, emphasized the clinical significance of this advancement: 

The integration of robotic-assisted technology represents an important evolution in how we deliver orthopedic care, said Dr. Beaulé. It supports greater precision in the operating room and contributes to better postoperative outcomes for our patients. This is a strong example of how clinical leadership and innovation come together to elevate the standard of care at HGH.

With this advancement, HGH continues to strengthen its leadership in delivering accessible, high-quality care to the region. 

About Hawkesbury General Hospital 

Hawkesbury General Hospital (HGH) is a bilingual community hospital committed to providing accessible, high-quality care to the community it serves. HGH values its Franco-Ontarian heritage and is guided by compassion, innovation, and excellence in meeting the needs of its population. 

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Media Contact:
Edith Léveillé
Director of Communications and Community Relations
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital