Gauteng Health MEC commends hospital for leading in cancer treatment
As Gauteng Department of Health observes World Cancer Day, MEC Hope Papo has commended the department of Medical Oncology at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic hospital for efforts in improving the lives of children with cancer and reducing patient waiting times at its clinic.
The waiting times for new patients to be seen at the hospital has been reduced to less than two weeks which has enabled the hospital to offer more prompt chemotherapy treatment to patients and increase the number of patients seen by the oncology unit.
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic hospital is the only hospital in the southern part of Gauteng that offers both medical and radiation oncology services. The hospital’s Radiation Oncology Unit is the largest in the country and treats about 3 500 patients a year. It is followed by Tygerberg hospital in the Western Cape which treats 2 500 patients a year.
The Radiation Oncology Unit has four dedicated clinics to treat a variety of cancers using state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated CT scanner on site for cancer planning. The unit has hosted the very first prostate brachytherapy seminar in the country and has a dedicated children's room for paediatric oncology cases.
“One of our satisfied patients, Mrs Shirley Koch is a volunteer who supports the hospital with her husband. She points out that if she had not received treatment at Charlotte Maxeke she would have long demised. This follows treatment from private hospitals who “abandoned” her when she could not manage the cost of treatment” the MEC said.
Her husband has co-ordinated training for support staff in repairs of lawnmowers and floor cleaning machines and continues to offer a number of services including coming personally with his employees to boost campaigns by the Oncology Unit.
Another patient, Mrs Susan Elder who is also on treatment at the Medical Oncology Unit provides tea and sandwiches to patients awaiting their treatment on a regular basis. To celebrate the Cancer Awareness Day, she will be handing mugs with a few goodies to patients in the outpatients’ medical oncology clinic.
About 270 children are admitted to the hospital’s paediatric haematology and oncology units annually for of cancer and blood disorders.
Children of school going age receiving treatment are attending classes in the hospital premises. This allows children not to lose out on education whilst receiving treatment. Whenever a child is unable to attend class, lessons are offered at their bedside. A number of learners have written their final examinations on a sick bed under a supervision of full time teachers and succeeded in their examination.
In 2013, the Unit conducted a number of workshops and training including African traditional practices on paediatric palliative.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
