WinnMed Awarded Federal Appropriations Grant for Surgical Equipment

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. DECORAH — WinnMed has been awarded a $700,000 federal appropriations grant for surgical equipment, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson. The award was announced to WinnMed leadership following the federal government's reopening in November. The funding will support the recent purchase of a da Vinci 5 surgical robot, the newest model produced by Intuitive. It is only the second in Iowa, following the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. "Earlier this year, I got to tour the improvements underway at WinnMed in Decorah and see their lifesaving services firsthand," Hinson said in a statement. "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, often resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. Its features include improved ergonomics for surgeons, high-definition 3D visualization and refined instrument control. Erik Brink, D.O., a WinnMed general surgeon, was the first to use the equipment in early November. "It was an honor and privilege to begin to offer the very best in safety and minimally invasive surgical techniques," Brink said. "Many patients will benefit from the increased capability of WinnMed." WinnMed Chief Administrative Officer Steve Slessor said the organization is grateful for the support. "We are incredibly thankful to receive the appropriations grant and be selected by Congresswoman Hinson's office as one of her projects to fund," Slessor said. "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." Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.