INDUSTRY WATCH
THANKS TO THE EFFICIENCY AND MOBILITY OF THE GE OEC ONE WE CAN NOW HAVE TWO OR THREE THEATRES OPERATING AT THE SAME TIME .
The Sidilega Private Hospital in Gaborone , Botswana has a vision to create a worldclass , fully digitised radiology department . This is already happening , thanks to Christina-Louise Isaacs , Head , Radiology Department , Sidilega Private Hospital , who not only set up the fully digitised department from scratch but fought long and hard to make sure Sidilega became the first hospital in Africa to purchase the GE OEC One CFD 31cm with vascular capability – the latest in GE ’ s ( www . GEHealthcare . com ) compact C-arm technology . the GE OEC One CFD is the machine we would use to stand in for that process .”
Procuring the OEC One CFD 31cm , with its low dose , high-image quality , and large flat panel detector , was a top priority for Isaacs . As a radiographer with 30 years of experience , she knows how important it is for radiographers to grow their skills in a fully digitised department with high spec machines and a broad spectrum of modalities . She knows because it ’ s the reason she had to leave Botswana for 13 years .
“ We are very proud to bring this incredible technology to Botswana , and indeed , Africa . I can already see how much value it is adding to our radiographers and surgeons , who can now better meet our patients ’ needs with greater ease and efficiency ,” said Dr Motsholathebe Phuthego , Director , Sidilega Private Hospital .
“ I had to go abroad to become the radiographer I wanted to be ,” she said , recalling the 13 years she spent in Ireland and the UK training on GE Healthcare systems and getting the skills she couldn ’ t get in Botswana .
“ What I saw in this machine was every radiographer ’ s dream . The contrast and image quality are second to none and the design is so well thought out . From the layout to the small screen created just for the operator , the machine is so user-friendly and easy to access . It ’ s the first time I have seen a company both answer and truly cater to a radiographer ’ s every need ,” said Isaacs .
Dr Phuthego agreed and said : “ Thanks to the efficiency and mobility of the GE OEC One we can now have two or three theatres operating at the same time . We are able to increase our activity and we don ’ t have to cancel the long lists of patients in need of our orthopedic and cardiovascular expertise .”
The machine has another very important role to play at Sidilega , to be used for endovascular procedures .
Isaacs explained that : “ We have a Cath lab and if that should go down and we need to have servicing done ,
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA 65