Following the installation of a much needed x-ray machine at Noupoort Community Healthcare Centre last year, a radiographer has been appointed, to help support the delivery of primary healthcare to this small Northern Cape community, which has close to 8 000 residents.
Lauren Beukes, a qualified radiographer, relocated to the area from Cape Town, having completed her studies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, in 2021. She is now a part of the medical team that helps to ensure that the community members have better and easier access to healthcare.
“Since obtaining the x-ray machine, the most common requests we have received are chest and extremity x-rays due to injuries sustained. X-rays are now readily available for medical officers to diagnose or refer patients. Subsequently, the services that are locally rendered decreased the load on Emergency Medical Services and it is cost effective for both patients and the institution,” explained Sister Jokka, Operational Manager at Noupoort Healthcare Centre.
Since the installation of this much needed equipment in August 2021, over 103 community patients have been x-rayed. The machine was funded by Noupoort Wind Farm, as part of its broader economic development focus, which includes health, social welfare and infrastructure development.
“By donating the X-ray unit, we have been able to achieve all three development target areas, which focus on supporting and improving the socio-economic conditions of the community. We are of course pleased that a fully qualified radiographer has been appointed by the Provincial Department of Health, to operate the equipment at the Noupoort Community Healthcare Centre,” said Noupoort Wind Farm Economic Development Manager, Sandisiwe Mntonintshi.
The Noupoort Healthcare Centre is open 24 hours and 7 days per week, rendering emergency services as well as maternity and in-patient care to local residents. With access to this equipment and a licenced radiographer on staff, the medical facility will be able to offer patients better treatment plans, informed by the necessary x-rays as information about patient disease and injuries can be accessed promptly.
It has been extremely challenging not to have had this essential medical equipment and service on hand previously, as it meant that community members had to commute to Colesburg, which only offers x-ray services twice a week.
