2008/08/03
A state-of-the-art Gastroscope was recently donated to the new Somerset Hospital AIDS Unit. At a
ceremony held on Wednesday 11 July, hospital staff and members of the Sea Point Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs gathered
for the official handover.
Assistant Director Gigi Henkerman welcomed all and introduced Dr Heather Bougaard who described the benefits of the new
equipment. The Gastroscope is used in emergencies to quickly find and treat bleeding stomach ulcers. The hospital also
treats a high proportion of patients with Gastric Cancer. Many people with AIDS have intestinal and gastric problems. The
unit helps to diagnose and facilitate the clinical management of people with these conditions. Dr Bougaard said that with
the Gastroscope they now see about 30 patients a week, nearly double the amount they were able to treat in the past.
President of the Sea Point Rotary Club, Carl May, said that the donation of R110 000, to cover the cost of the
Gastroscope, was part of the club's commitment to the Sea Point area. This amount was collected from local and
international sources. Contributions were made from the Sea Point Inner Wheel and Rotary Clubs (R18 000 each); Rotary
District 9350 (R7 000); the Rotary Club of Harbourside, British Columbia in Canada (R15 000); the Canadian Rotary
District (R7 000) and the Rotary International Foundation (R45 000). Eva Polikoff, president of Sea Point Inner Wheel,
thanked Rotary for partnering with them in such a worthwhile project.
Dianne Pols, Fund Raising Director of Somerset Hospital, explained that talented hospital staff needed to have the latest
equipment to serve the community to the best of their ability. The Gastroscope enables fast diagnosis, allows the doctors
to see more patients and will undoubtedly save lives. She thanked both clubs and especially Dr Tony Davidson for
co-ordinating the effort.
Members of the public interested in joining the Sea Point Rotary Club in its community service are welcome to
contact Tony Davidson.
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In the photo from left, Eva Polikoff, Dianne Pols, Carl May, Gigi Henkerman, Dr Heather Bougaard and Dr Tony Davidson.
In the photo from left, Marian Green, Eva Polikoff, Dr Heather Bougaard, Carl May.
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