New X-ray Equipment and Network-Wide Bio-Tech Training

CURE Kenya hosted a training session for biomedical technicians from across the CURE network. Mark Heydenberg, CURE’s biomedical trainer and technical advisor, came to Kenya to provide the training and also to assist with the installation of a new x-ray machine. This training focused on equipping the biomedical technicians that serve CURE hospitals with the tools they need to efficiently and effectively support clinical service delivery and promote patient safety.  The training involved BioMed engineers from CURE Ethiopia, CURE Kenya, CURE Malawi, CURE Uganda, and CURE Zambia. While this training session was focused on training CURE’s in-house biomedical technicians, the ultimate goal is to train more in-country Biomed technicians, in government hospitals and elsewhere, so that the overall capacity for biomedical support will increase in the countries we serve. This will contribute greatly to strengthening the national healthcare systems where our hospitals are located.

The new x-ray equipment has a lot of important advantages for our CURE medical team. Any doctor in the CURE network can offer more insight remotely on a case since they can digitally access the image file. The system is complemented by a digital imager, which uses digital plates and can stitch different body x-rays into one full-body skeleton x-ray! To increase efficiency and patient safety, the images are saved and shared digitally with the consulting doctors. Printing is being done simultaneously, hence enabling faster workflow, especially during clinic days. “The efficiency of this radiography equipment is exceptional. This type of machine does digital radiography, which optimizes imaging workflow with big advantages for both the operator and the patient.” Mark Heydenberg, CURE MSC’s BioMed trainer and technical advisor.

(Left: BioMed techs from across the CURE Network, Right: prayer over the new X-ray machine)

Dr. Fasto, one of the orthopedic surgeons at CURE Kenya, cited that one of the issues slowing down service delivery to patients is untimely delivery of x-rays needed before surgery. This delay in delivery is caused by a long list of patients waiting for their x-rays to be taken. The new x-ray machine is an important addition, as it will speed up the delivery of these images. “Sometimes we could be having multiple procedures and only one C-Arm x-ray is available for all the operating rooms. This really slows us down in finishing procedures on time and that creates a delay on an already long list of patients.” Dr. Fasto Ladu, orthopedic surgeon-CURE Kenya.

With this new equipment, CURE International is looking to strengthen the hospitals in its network and beyond. The CURE Children’s Hospital in Kenya, as well as the other hospitals in the CURE network, will greatly benefit from the training these biomedical technicians received on the new x-ray equipment. Biomedical support and training is a key aspect of health systems strengthening, which is an important part of CURE International’s strategy.