The Hadley Foundation has awarded the HaysMed Foundation a $500,000 grant toward the purchase of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System at the medical center, HaysMed announced in a news release Friday. HaysMed is one of the first hospitals in a rural area with the surgical system.

The da Vinci Surgical System is designed to expand the surgeon’s capabilities and offer a minimally invasive option for major surgery. Robot-assisted surgery with the da Vinci system allows surgeons to operate using only 1- to 2-centimeter incisions to insert miniaturized, wristed instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. The camera offers surgeons a view of the operative field superior to any other surgical approach, including traditional open surgery and laparoscopy.

The surgeon has greater precision and control than ever before. The small incisions minimize the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.

“We are deeply grateful for this wonderful gift from the Hadley Foundation” said Dr. John Jeter, HaysMed president and CEO. “Their generosity will enable HaysMed to provide patients a higher level of care with state-of-the-art robotic technology.”

The Hadley Foundation was established in 1991 to provide support for the activities and mission of Hays Medical Center. Its resources originate from the estate of the late Mark Hadley whose ancestors were early settlers in Ellis and Rooks Counties and successful in the ranching and oil business. The foundation is governed by a board of seven community volunteers.