The long awaited Radiation Oncology unit which was under construction since 2008 at Klerksdorp hospital in the North West province is now fully operational.
The unit was officially opened by the provincial MEC for Health and Social Development, Rebecca Kasienyane on 12 March 2010. Cancer patients in the province will now receive treatment from Klerksdorp hospital ending five years of travelling to get treatment in Gauteng hospitals.
The unit is expected to provide treatment to over 900 cancer patients in the province. The province was without radiation facility hence patients were travelling to Gauteng hospitals at a cost of R1.9 million over a period of five years. This resulted in some patients failing to complete treatment as they had to travel long distances.
Built at cost of R56.3 million, the unit boosts modern technology which includes linear accelerator, a digital treatment planning system, a 16 slice CT scanner and simulator, brachy therapy suite, a mould room, and
quality assurance devices.
Speaking at the official opening, MEC Rebecca Kasienyane said the unit is part of department’s priority of ensuring access to basic health care services by bringing services closer to the people.
“We managed to built many health infrastructure facilities in many remote areas of our province over the past 15 years but this radiation oncology unit is a launching part for more state of the art facilities to be build within our local communities” she said.
The oncology unit will continue to work closely with non-governmental organisations in the province, such as the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and relevant hospices in support of cancer and other related diseases.
“Fellow partners I thank you very much for your undying support. We will continue to rely on your valued support to make this Radiation Oncology unit a success story many years to come,” concluded the MEC.
Meanwhile, MEC Kasienyane called on nurses to improve their attitude following complaints of intolerant behaviour by patients in some health facilities within the province.
“We cannot afford bad attitudes from our nurses! Of course we need more nurses and the whole country is running short of health professionals but we cannot tolerate negligent behaviour. It is costing to the
department and to the lives of our people,” she said.
On the same day, MEC Kasienyane also opened a psychiatric unit and protective unit at Witrand hospital and three clinics in Orkney, Kanana Township and Maquassi hills. Orkney clinic is accredited to offer antiretroviral treatment.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
Ngwako J Motsieng
Tel: 018 387 5740
Cell: 082 964 8838
Fax to e-mail: 0866 342 993
E-mail: nmotsieng@nwpg.gov.za or nmotsieng@gmail.com
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, North West Provincial Government
15 March 2010
