Community health-care centre enhances services with new radiographer
Babalwa May, the new radiographer at the Noupoort Community Healthcare Centre. Picture: Supplied
THE NOUPOORT Community Healthcare Centre has reported a significant enhancement in its services, assisting up to 1,000 patients annually. This improvement follows the appointment of Babalwa May as the new radiographer, a move that has addressed a critical health care need in the community.
The introduction of May has elevated the standard of care for local residents, ensuring timely and efficient diagnosis and treatment.
Prior to the installation of the X-ray machine, residents of Noupoort faced the challenge of travelling 120 kilometres to Colesberg for radiography services. This distance often resulted in delayed diagnoses and treatment, as well as financial burdens for many families.
With the availability of an X-ray machine at the local health-care centre and May’s expertise, medical imaging services in Noupoort have seen a marked improvement. This development not only enhances the quality of health care but also alleviates the strain on residents, providing them with accessible and efficient medical services.
“The purchase of the X-ray machine for the Noupoort Community Healthcare Centre remains one of our investment highlights. With access to this equipment, the medical facility offers better treatment plans, informed by the necessary X-rays as information about patient disease and injuries can be accessed promptly,” said Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, the economic development manager for Noupoort Wind Farm, which funded the purchase of the X-ray machine in 2021.
May, a native of the Northern Cape, is a qualified diagnostic radiographer with a degree from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, earned in 2012. With over a decade of professional experience, May’s return to the Umsobomvu Local Municipality underscores her dedication to serving her local community.
“It has been a pleasure to be of service to a community that is close to home for me. The grant of the X-ray machine came with a huge change and relief to the community and staff. It was also a relief to the EMS department too. Patients can now have immediate access to the service without having to travel far,” said May.
