SCP Radiology recently donated two ultrasound machines to Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT) Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (MITS) department, specifically to the Diagnostic Ultrasound program.
The machines will be used by the ultrasound team of lecturers – Dr Maria Hartnick, Geordean Schwartz and Carmen Batt – to train their students, giving essential practical experience in conducting ultrasound examinations. According to Dr Hartnick, these machines will also allow the programme to take on more ultrasound students, at a time when South Africa faces a national shortage of qualified sonographers.
As an accredited training facility for BSc Diagnostic Radiography and BSc Diagnostic Sonography students, SCP Radiology has partnered with CPUT for more than a decade. The practice is currently providing clinical training to 27 students (12 radiography and 15 sonography) students from the institution.
“We are thrilled,” said MITS Head of Department Dr Polly Davidson at the official handover. “These two machines, in perfect working order, will make an enormous difference to our skills lab. Giving our team more opportunities to train students effectively and ensure they graduate with strong, hands-on competency.”
Dr Davidson also thanked medical equipment provider, Tecmed, for donating one of the specialised ultrasound probes.
Madelein de Wet, Clinical Operations Manager at SCP Radiology, said the practice recently upgraded some of its ultrasound equipment and was pleased to put the older, working units to meaningful use. “Because of our long-standing relationship with CPUT, we were aware of the need for imaging equipment. It gives us immense pleasure to support the training of the next generation of healthcare workers in this way. It aligns with our commitment to education and strengthening the profession.”
Prof. Nicole Brooks, Dean of the Health and Wellness Faculty at CPUT, said that academic institutions value the involvement of organisations in the healthcare industry. She reiterated that investments from the private sector have a tangible impact on quality and reach of training programmes such as this one.
SCP Radiology also offers annual bursaries to CPUT radiography and sonography students. More information is available at www.scp.co.za.
