First for Neurosurgery at a State Hospital

Neurosurgery at Tygerberg Academic Hospital (TBH) acquired a state-of-the-art surgical microscope at a cost of R1, 8 million. This advanced equipment is the first in its range in a state hospital in South Africa and the other, almost similar equipment, are in private practices in Gauteng and one in the Western Cape.

Prof Bennie Hartzenberg, head of Neurosurgery at TBH, said they focus on brain and spinal cord conditions and do 700 operations at Neurosurgery annually, of which almost half of the cases are trauma related. The microscope is used for almost 90% of the elective procedures.

At the official hand-over of the microscope, Pierre Uys, Western Cape Minister of Health, said that he was aware of the enormous workload on the staff at the hospital and that it was necessary to equip them with the best equipment. He said that he was aware of the fact that it wasn't merely a new high tech toy but that neurosurgery couldn't function without it. The new equipment will boost staff morale in the sense that it will equip staff to deliver a better service to the community but it will also contribute to their skills development.

Microscopes have been in use for neurosurgical procedures at TBH since the 1970's. This new equipment will replace the old microscope that has become unserviceable.

According to Prof Hartzenberg, the focus system of this type of equipment needs to be excellent as very delicate operations are being done with it. A further advantage is that it is ideal for training, as students and the nursing personnel can follow the operation on a screen.

Issued by:
The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health

Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
021 483 3235

Herman van der Westhuizen
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Health
+27 483 2627