De novo nuclear medicine services in the public health sector of North West Province: Turning vision into reality

Klerksdorp/Tshepong (K/T) Hospital complex is a provincial tertiary hospital that serves the entire North West Province in South Africa. Commencement and expansion of hospital-based tertiary services in this health facility have been ongoing for the past two decades with many successes. Non-availability of nuclear medicine services in the public health sector of this province has resulted in patients being referred to academic hospitals in Gauteng with its attendant logistic and cost-related burden. The journey of the first nuclear medicine clinical unit in the North West province public sector from conceptualisation to realisation culminated in its completion within the projected financial year. The implementation process had inevitable minor adaptations expected for a project of such complexity. However, this is an accomplishment that was made possible through strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and resourceful partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Funding was secured from NHI Oncology grant, equipment sourced and installed, trained staff recruited, and clinical service commenced, ensuring that the long-term vision turned into reality. The establishment of nuclear medicine at K/T hospital complex has been a significant achievement that will cater to the needs of the North West patients, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic services by increasing capacity and volume of services rendered, and ultimately improving overall patient outcomes. Our success has improved referral processes and provided quality services at an affordable cost, reducing the burden on tertiary hospitals in Gauteng. Partnership with Wits Nuclear Medicine in Johannesburg provides flexibility and ease of referral pathway as we continue to expand our range of services. In conclusion, starting nuclear medicine services in the North West province public health sector has been an overall success story. Our experience demonstrates the importance of foresight, strategic planning and partnerships in turning vision into reality. By establishing the first nuclear medicine unit in the public health sector of the North West Province, we have improved accessibility and provided a higher quality of care to patients in the region. We hope to inspire similar efforts to expand nuclear medicine services in other relatively under served regions. (authors)