INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR WELKOM RADIOGRAPHER

Sandy Pridgeon, from Welkom, was recently awarded the International DoseWise Radiographer of the Year Award in Toronto, Canada. Her entry on "Radiation Protection in the Operating Theatre" was by judges from the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT). Sandy’s entry shared her experience in radiation protection of medical staff, where she implemented re-usable shields to absorb radiation backscatter from patients. She designed special shields from lead rubber to protect the medical staff. The damage only shows up many years later, says Sandy, who works at different private hospitals in Welkom. She designed a set of four shields for the neck, back, lower back and hips. These were scientifically tested and it was proven that there was a reduction of more than 67% of back scatter. As the winner, Sandy attended the ISRRT World Congress 2012 in June.