R50 million improvement in radiology

A great new beginning beckons for staff and patients alike of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

On 22 June the hospital launched its new Picture Archiving and Communication System (Pacs) and the Radiology Information System (Ris). The impressive launch was led by Gauteng Premier David Makhura.

This new equipment is seen as a monumental step in modernising radiology services. These systems are said to provide for radiology workflow processes that should result in marked efficiency, as well as quality gains and reduced costs to all consumers who would use the facilities. The cost of the system accumulated to R50 million over the course of five years.

Makhura noted how this change would not only be sustainable but would also help in reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint. Decked out in a white lab coat, the Premier addressed those in attendance and spoke of how important it is for patients to be well looked after at public hospitals. “Charlotte Maxeke should be proud to be part of a changing society,” he said.

This new system will send doctors information about a patient electronically. In the past, patients would have to wait for hours to see different specialists while making sure they had their file in hand. With this new efficient system, doctors will be able to manage their clients’ information either from their iPads or cellphones.

Hospitals that will be part of this dynamic change are Rahima Moosa Mother and Child, Tambo Memorial, Helen Joseph, Edenvale and Leratong hospitals.

The system’s global standard is also said to ensure that patients’ confidential information be kept as such.

The Department of Health hopes to have all public hospitals connected and live by end of March 2017.

Details: Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, 011 488 4911.

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