Potchefstroom Hospital in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District has once again taken a step to be the facility of choice and the beacon of hope for quality patient care provision in the North West Province.
This follows the installation of a brand-new mammogram machine to the tune of R 4 780 798.
The FUJIFILM machine is a state-of-the-art device and the first of its kind in South Africa. It is now installed at the Potchefstroom Hospital CT Scan Unit.
“Mammogram is an exam used to detect breast cancer early and to identify abnormalities before symptoms appear. This can also assist in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates,” Chief Radiographer, Olga Sekwati, said.
Breast cancer incidence is increasing, with 1 in 30 South African women at risk. Women need to schedule regular breast cancer screening tests to detect the disease at an early stage. Risk factors include family history, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.
“Patients from Potchefstroom Hospital have been referred to Tshepong Hospital for mammogram examinations. The waiting period for bookings was very long, which caused delays in patients’ management due to the long list at Tshepong Hospital,” Sekwati concluded.
Risks for a long waiting period include the following:
Some of the patients’ conditions may be at an advanced stage even before proper diagnosis.
The waiting period may result in metastasis.
Patients may die before the doctor can see the extent of the cancer, or a proper diagnosis can be made.
The new mammogram machine was installed at Potchefstroom Hospital in May and is performed by a qualified Mammographer, Tshegofatso Tsikwe.
The department uses a booking system for referred patients.
Patients should consult the Surgical OPD, where they can be seen by a doctor. If needed, the doctor will make an appointment with the X-Ray Department if there is a need.
Working hours for mammogram services are from 7:30 to 16:00, only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.