There are 234 patients on the waiting list for breast scans at the Helen Joseph Hospital, but there are no delays in having the scans.
This welcomes information as provided by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu in a written reply to questions posted by DA Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom in the Gauteng Legislature.
According to Mahlangu, there are two new Tom Synthesis Imaging units that were procured in November 2015 and they are the latest imaging technology.
There are 14 beds and all other equipment is in working condition.
More doctors will be employed in the current financial year to fill vacancies.
Standard waiting times are as follows:
- Red (Symptomatic) – two weeks for patients diagnosed with cancer and abscesses in the breast, and some patients are imaged on the same day of consultation depending on the severity of the disease.
- Yellow (Symptomatic) – six to eight weeks for patients with pain and lumps in the breast.
- Green (Screening) – one month for patients referred for baseline mammograms for early detention of diseases.
“The department has introduced the weekend list (Saturdays) done twice a month, wherein patients are now serviced on a booking basis.
“I am pleased that the breast unit is functioning well at this hospital despite a shaky start when it was started in 2005 and brand new equipment lay unused for a long period.
“The unit is headed by Dr Carol Benn who deserves praise for running a world class unit,” said Bloom.
