With $1.6M Donation From Bolger, Valley Buys Surgical Robot

Thanks to another large donation from philanthropist David F. Bolger, can now boast a state of the art robotic surgical system.

According to a news release sent on Thursday, Valley Hospital has boosted its technology stock with a $1.6 million da Vinci Surgical System that allows for more surgical procedures to be performed with "minimally invasive techniques."

The timing couldn't be better – the hospital recently performed its 2,000th surgery using the machine, Valley said in the statement.

"The da Vinci Surgical System consists of a surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart, a high performance vision system and additional instruments," the release states, adding that the system can be used for both training and collaboration.

"Using the da Vinci Surgical System, the surgeon operates while seated comfortably at a console viewing a three-dimensional image of the surgical field. The surgeons’ fingers grasp the instrument controls below the display with wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The technology seamlessly translates the surgeon’s movements into precise, real-time movements of the surgical instruments inside the patient."

This is certainly not David Bolger's first donation to the hospital. A long-time Ridgewood native who amassed his fortune in real estate and investments, Bolger made a $30 million donation to Valley in 2008.

With the latest gift from the David F. Bolger Foundation, the former steel mill worker has now donated $40 million to the Ridgewood hospital.

Bolger – who severed ties with the village government after disagreements over a gift ordinance in 2010 – has been a major donor to West Bergen Mental Healthcare; William Paterson University; Christian Healthcare Center; the Ridgewood YMCA; the Ridgewood and Glen Rock public libraries; among many others.

The Bolger Foundation has made more than $75 million dollars of philanthropic donations since 2000. Funds have supported those in healthcare industry but also disadvantaged youth and religious institutions. The foundation has provided for mental health care programs, environmental conservation and educational scholarships as well.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor James Kleimann at James.Kleimann@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.