Thabisile Mkhwanazi
Long waiting times 
will be a thing of the past with the launch of a brand-new CT-scan at Pholosong 
Hospital.
The 
machine will make it possible to offer in-house diagnoses of illnesses as well 
as assessment of injuries and damage involving the brain, chest, abdomen as well 
as lower and upper limbs. 
This 
also means that longer waiting times for immediate diagnosis and interventions 
by medical professionals will be a thing of the past.
For 
the first time, Pholosong Hospital will be offering this much needed service to 
the community of Duduza, Tsakane and kwaThema and surrounding 
areas.
Over 
the years, the hospital referred patients who needed this service to Far East 
Rand Hospital or Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for emergency 
CT scans.
This 
referral of patients to other hospitals hindered access to care for many 
patients and impacted negatively on the hospitals ability to offer quality care 
to those who needed the service. 
Acting 
CEO, Dr Ashley Mthunzi said that the availability of the service is an 
achievement for the hospital and an important win for patients as they will not 
be travelling far for a CT scan.
“The 
advantage of having this machine at Pholosong is that it will give immediate 
attention to patients, reduce waiting times particularly in case of critical 
cases. Additionally, doctors will be now able to receive an immediate diagnosis 
and act fast,” explained Dr Mthunzi.
Apart 
from assisting with reducing overcrowding and over booking to other hospitals, 
the machine provides more detailed images than X-rays and can be used in the 
diagnosis of many types of cancers that are fast becoming a concern in the 
hospital.   The service is expected to start from the first of 
October 2019.