RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - The commissioning of a Digital Mammography x-ray machine on 25 June, brought excitement to hospital management and staff as patients will now get access to results within 72 hours. The procurement of the Digital Mammography x-ray machine will accelerate the turnaround time of mammography results for patients. The procurement of this machine will result in improved access to care for patients, as previously, they had to travel to Mahikeng Provincial hospital to access these services.
The sole purpose of this machine is to screen and diagnose breast changes and detect cancer calcification in patients - both female and male.
With this machine, the hospital aims to attain increased cancer screening and to also do biopsies for discovery of any abnormalities.
The Digital Mammography x-ray machine cost R7.5 million, and the installion process took place between February and June (2025) and it took four months to complete the project.
The project also entailed training staff members on how the machine operates. Currently, the hospital boasts two qualified mammographers to operate this machine, as it is a prerequisite to have a qualification in mammography.
Highlighting the importance of the machine, Deputy Board Chairperson, Ms Batsile Ramosepele, indicated that now Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital can detect tumors and do biopsies to confirm the nature of the tumors. “We as the Board, are delighted at this state-of-the-art unit, as it will improve the health of our people,” commented Ramosepele. “This is a milestone for us, we are ultimately getting there to provide the tertiary services that patients deserve,” concluded Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Ellen Dineo K. Moromane.
