By Njapa Taranhike
The Radiation Protection Authority –RPA- has conducted a pre-authorisation radiation protection inspection at the Cancer Diseases Hospital’s newly re-established radiotherapy facility.
The inspection focused on two key pieces of equipment – the TrueBeam Linear Accelerator –LINAC- and the CT Simulator – which are used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.The CT Simulator produces X-ray images to identify the exact location of cancer.
The images are then transferred to a treatment planning system, which guides the Linear Accelerator in delivering targeted radiation therapy.
Speaking during the inspection, Cancer Diseases Hospital Chief Medical Physicist MULAPE KANDUZA said the pre-authorisation inspection was conducted to verify the design, installation and operation of the radiotherapy equipment, including the CT Simulator and the TrueBeam Linear Accelerator.
Mrs. KANDUZA said the hospital has a responsibility to ensure the safety of patients, staff and members of the public.Radiation Protection Authority Senior Inspector IAN MUKABE said the inspection has been completed in accordance with the Ionising Radiation Protection Act.
Mr. MUKABE said the exercise included verification of equipment performance, assessment of radiation safety measures and a review of the required documentation.
Meanwhile, Radiation Protection Authority Senior Inspector NANGOMA SYAMWALU said the Authority remains committed to protecting workers, patients and the public from the harmful effects of ionising radiation through strict regulatory oversight.
