2. WHO ARE WE?
P Caunter & Associates is a private theatre radiography practice
established in 2006 to provide x-ray(radiological) theatre services for
specialised procedures involving General work (Orthopedic ,
Urological, and Neurological),Vascular and Cardiac procedures.
• We work in 17 different private hospitals in Gauteng.
• We have a staff complement of 30 people. This includes
Professional Radiographers and Admin Staff.
3. HOW WE WORK
The practice employs qualified radiographers , with theatre work
experience, to help surgeons during their surgical procedures. The
Radiographer operates a special C-arm machine, giving the surgeons
live images which aid them during surgery.
A C-arm is a special x-ray machine which produces a constant live
image displayed on a monitor. The surgeon will view this monitor
enabling him to view his work at different angles(important in
orthopedic procedures) . For specialised cardiac and vascular
procedure the use of dyes allows them to visualise the state of blood
vessels, i.e. Vessels not normally visible on plain x-rays.
4. C- Arm set-up for general theatre procedures
Image intensifier
X-Ray source
X-Ray table
Monitors
C-Arm
5. An example of a C-arm setup for general theatre
The C-arm rotates on an axis producing images at any angle
10. Hospitals email theatre lists to us on a daily basis for the following
day. The staff coordinators then assign staff to the various theatres
accordingly.
Staff will be ready and available in theatre in time for the procedures.
Our communication consists of both phone calls as well as whatsapp
groups, based on the geographic location of the various hospital
groups. In this way staff communicate as to whom is available where
and when, enabling efficient use of time and resources.
Staff are generously reimbursed on a half-hourly basis for their time
in theatre, using a system whereby they invoice the practice for their
time. The control measure here is the theatre register whereby
patient in-and-out times are recorded.
11. The patient accounts are then sent to the various medical aids for
practice payment for each procedure.
Staff are paid on a monthly basis after PAYE, UIF and SDL have been
calculated and deducted by the accountants.
The owner, P Caunter, works at Olivedale Clinic doing specialised
cardiac and vascular work, keeping up to date with procedures. She
also participates in a mandatory CPD (continued professional
development) programs. She visits hospitals and staff frequently in
order to keep abreast of any areas of difficulty the hospitals or staff
may face with a view to improving the policies and procedures.
Meeting with staff coordinators are held regularly to assure that any
problems are dealt with timeously.
12. ADVANTAGE OF SERVICE TO THE SURGEONS
Having the same staff who routinely work with the same surgeons and are
able to familiarise themselves with his specific preference of working, aids
the surgeon in achieving results faster with much less instruction.
Less time in theatre benefits all, including the patient. The quicker the
procedure, the safer the procedure and the less the radiation to both
patient and theatre staff.
This service also has the advantage that the hospital’s x-ray department are
no longer required to do the theatre work. Previously their work in the x-
ray department used to be frequently interrupted. Our service therefore
helps the surgeon to provide a quality service to patients as we are joining a
team of skilled people in the interest of a good surgical outcome for the
patient.
13. GROWTH: HISTORY & PROSPECTS
Penny started off her solo practice in 2006 and the demand for the
same professional and well-executed expertise grew very quickly.
Over the years she has trained and developed staff in order to meet
this growing demand and service. Many hospitals are now looking for
these unique services.
She now employs approximately thirty staff members and services
seventeen hospitals.
New employees are still being sourced to service the expanding
demand for this practice.
