Celebrating a Saskatchewan first: Royal University Hospital completes first stereotactic robotic epilepsy surgery

- Media Release, Sask Health Authority

March 26, 2026

key points from this story:

• First stereotactic robotic epilepsy surgery in Saskatchewan
• ROSA robot Erin installed at Royal University Hospital
• $1.2 million fundraising campaign funded the robot
• Belsher family contributed $700,000 to the project
• Robot reduces surgery time and improves precision
• Milestone highlighted during global Purple Day awareness

The Saskatchewan Health Authority and Royal University Hospital (RUH) Foundation are proud to announce a historic milestone: Saskatchewan’s first stereotactic robotic epilepsy surgery has been successfully completed at RUH on March 23, 2026 using the newly installed ROSA (Robotic Stereotactic Assistance). The installation of the ROSA robot, named Erin in honour of donor Merlis Belsher’s granddaughter, was made possible through the generosity of donors from across the province. The RUH Foundation led the $1.2-million fundraising campaign, including a gift of $700,000 from the Belsher Family.

“Our government is committed to putting patients first and ensuring access to high-quality care is available for everyone in Saskatchewan, including the over 10,000 people living with epilepsy,” Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill said. “This neurosurgical robot will improve outcomes for patients living with epilepsy who can now access safer, shorter and more precise surgeries, with quicker recovery times, closer to home. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of Merlis Belsher and Family, all of the donors and the Royal University Hospital Foundation for the funding they have provided for this technology.”

Epilepsy affects approximately 12,000 people in Saskatchewan. For roughly one third of those who live with drug resistant epilepsy, the condition can place major limits on independence, employment, driving and daily life. Until now, patients requiring this advanced diagnostic procedure needed to travel out of province for assessment. Manual placement of depth electrodes, which are essential for understanding where seizures begin in the brain, allowed surgeons to place only three to five electrodes during procedures that could take eight to nine hours. This meant that many patients did not receive enough diagnostic information to determine whether surgical treatment could help them.

"The introduction of the ROSA robotic system, Erin, is an exciting advancement that reflects what is possible when clinical expertise, innovation, and community support come together," said Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. "This technology advances epilepsy care in our province and strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive treatment close to home. We are deeply grateful to RUH Foundation and the many donors whose support made this possible."

The announcement coincides with Purple Day, a global day of epilepsy awareness that shines a spotlight on the 12,000 Saskatchewan residents living with epilepsy and celebrating a major step forward in provincial care.