©2009 Full Circle Magazine.
LAST CHANCE IN SEPTEMBER
Join us in celebrating our 25th Birthday at the Fish Hoek Galley
To say thank you for your support we are giving away a R25 meal voucher
for every R100 spent at the Bayside on Fish Hoek Beach!
In November 1897 a German physics
professor, Wilhelm Röntgen, discovered
X-rays, which he named to indicate that
they were an unknown form of radiation.
The name has remained, although X-rays
are also referred to as Röntgen rays. He
discovered the X-rays’ medical use when he
saw an image of the hand of his wife on a
photographic plate – the first human body-
part X-ray photograph.
Radiology is a highly specialized field of
diagnostic medicine. X-rays are commonly
used to identify pathology of the chest
cavity including TB, pneumonia and lung
cancer; as well as in the detection of kidney
and gallstones; and pathology of the
skeletal system. Other imaging alternatives
used are Computed Axial Tomography (CAT
scanning), Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI scanning) and ultrasound imaging.
Treatment using X-rays is called
radiotherapy and is often used for cancer-
management – higher radiation energies
are used than for imaging purposes. X-rays
are a safe and painless diagnostic tool.
The competent and experienced team of
three who staff the X-ray Department at
False Bay Hospital include Virginia Kunz,
Chief Radiographer; Pat Murray, Senior
Radiographer; and Geraldine Thomas,
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Darkroom Technician. They work a five-day
week, from 7.30am until 4.30pm most days,
and are on call for the 24-hour emergency
service which the hospital provides.
Essential qualities required for this type of
work are a technical mindset (they describe
themselves as “glorified photographers”) and
copious reserves of patience and
compassion. When patients enter the X-ray
Department they are often anxious and
stressed due to pain or trauma, and need
calm reassurance, which is reinforced by the
serene and efficient atmosphere created by
this team.
The team finds satisfaction in their work,
which assists the clinicians in reaching a
diagnosis and plays a pivotal role in the
treatment and well-being of the patients. They
see approximately 20 patients a day, with
chest X-rays most commonly requested ...
patients are referred from clinics in Ocean
View, Masiphumelele, Fish Hoek and
Muizenberg, as well as from the hospital’s
Orthopaedic and Paediatric departments and
Casualty emergencies. Radiographers can
apply their training worldwide as there is a
great demand for their services. The staff
members at False Bay Hospital continually
update their knowledge by attending refresher
courses and keeping abreast of new
1
1
The Fish Hoek Galley Restaurant introduces
The X-Ray Department at False Bay Hospital
by Laura-Anne Williams
Pat and Virginia with X-ray equipment
developments in their field. They serve an
ever-growing community with commitment and
dedication and have achieved an environment
of excellent teamwork and support of each
other, and of the hospital as a whole.
As individuals they all have a love of the
outdoors, enjoy reading, and spending
precious leisure hours with family, friends and
pets. Dependable and caring, knowledgeable
and grounded, they are three strong pillars in
the support system which is False Bay
Hospital.
September 2009 Vol6 No9
