Protest calls for more staff
A BREAST and cervical cancer policy launch at Frere Hospital on Friday was marred by a small group of people protesting for more staff.
The six protesters said they were representing the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa), Nehawu and the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA).
The group complained that while the policy was part of a “good programme” it seemed that labour was not a concern.
“Who is going to implement the policy they are launching here? There is a shortage of staff and the CEO [Dr Rolene Wagner] is well aware of our issues,” they said.
The launch was meant to be a national event, but at the 11th-hour Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi pulled out and sent a delegation to represent him.
Provincial health MEC Pumza Dyantyi led the delegation around the oncology unit at the hospital.
Asked about the silent protest staged, Dyantyi said: “I get these kinds of complaints wherever I go. The reality is that there is no money. We want to employ people. However, we urge the unions to understand that it cannot happen overnight. We have recently announced that we are in the process of hiring 1 000 people and I am sure that Frere will be considered,” Dyantyi said.
She said the province was excited to launch a “standardised” policy on the treatment of cancer: “We have always had policies but each province was doing its own thing. Now, it will all be standard.”
Wagner said the hospital would now use the Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) method as opposed to the usual pap smear when testing women’s cervixes for cancer.
“The brush technique of the LBC allows practitioners to reach the innermost parts of the cervix to collect cells from there. This [LBC] has been proven to be more effective than the pap smear where only a certain part of the cervix can be reached,” Wagner said.
According to Dyantyi, Frere was chosen for the new policy launch as it has functional equipment and there is a multi-disciplinary team.
National Deputy Director of Women’s Health Dimpho Chweneyagae in the national department, said: “part of their policy was to increase awareness of cancer in communities”.
“We are also encouraging people to know and check their bodies and this will ensure early detection.”
Thembeka Ngxande of Matyenegqina, Mthatha, a cervical cancer patient being treated at Frere said: “I was referred to Mthatha General Hospital, and they sent me here for a six-week treatment programme.
“I am going to tell other women in the village that they too must be tested and treated. They do not have to die of cancer.” —