Cancer patients in the Eastern Cape will have improved access to specialised treatment, following the opening of a R416 million oncology centre at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha.
The state-of-the-art facility brings chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy and specialised inpatient care closer to patients, particularly those from OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi districts.
Previously, patients requiring radiotherapy had to be referred from Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital to oncology centres in KuGompo City and Gqeberha, resulting in long-distance travel and extended periods away from their families during treatment.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, led by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa, will officially open the facility later today.
Equipped with two linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, the centre has 68 dedicated inpatient beds, comprising 30 beds for female oncology patients, 30 for male patients and eight paediatric and neonatal oncology beds.
The facility also includes an outpatient department with consultation rooms, counselling facilities and resuscitation capacity, as well as a dedicated oncology pharmacy with chemotherapy mixing and dispensing areas.
Additional facilities include chemotherapy treatment areas, isolation rooms, procedure and treatment rooms, nursing stations, patient holding areas and recovery facilities to support patients throughout their treatment.
A suspended link bridge connects the new centre to the existing hospital, providing access to supporting services such as radiology, laboratories, theatres and the Central Sterile Services Department.
The provincial government said the building has been designed to accommodate two additional floors in future, allowing for expansion as demand for specialised cancer treatment grows.
The opening marks a significant step in expanding access to specialised healthcare in the province, particularly for communities that have historically had to travel long distances to receive cancer treatment. – SAnews.gov.za
