Partnership transforms chemotherapy journeys.

Yesterday was one of those quiet, powerful days that remind us why partnership matters.

Groote Schuur Hospital | 23 February 2026

At Groote Schuur Hospital, two patients had their chemotherapy journey transformed.

The team from Project Flamingo, Zebra Medical and Groote Schuur Breast Unit at the training session. From the left: Dr Hugo Minnaar (Zebra Medical), Zebra Medical Representative, Dr Lydia Darby (Groote Schuur Hospital), Dr Liana Roodt (Project Flamingo), Prof Francois Malherbe (Groote Schuur Hospital), and Zebra Medical Representative.

With the generous support of Zebra Medical, we were able to place permanent PICC ports under local anaesthesia. This pioneering technique minimises discomfort and avoids the need for theatre time.

Why is this important?

In our Public Healthcare settings, traditional chemotherapy ports are rarely accessible due to cost constraints and limited operating theatre capacity. For many patients, this means repeated IV line placements, often painful, anxiety-provoking, and at times traumatic. Without a reliable permanent line, receiving life-saving chemotherapy can become excruciating.

Yesterday, that changed for two women.

With their new PICC ports in place, their treatment will now be safer, more comfortable and far less distressing.

But the impact did not stop there.

Zebra Medical also provided world-class hands-on training to our Groote Schuur team, building local capacity and ensuring that this technique can continue to benefit future patients. In addition, they donated a state-of-the-art Butterfly handheld ultrasound probe to Project Flamingo. This remarkable technology will now be used in both our breast oncology and surgical clinics, improving precision, access and point-of-care diagnostics.

This is what a meaningful partnership looks like:

✔️ Immediate patient impact

✔️ Skills transfer and sustainable capacity building

✔️ Investment in technology that strengthens the system

It was a very special day.

To Zebra Medical, thank you for helping us ensure that dignity, comfort, and innovation are not luxuries but realities in our public cancer care system.

#ProjectFlamingo #GrooteSchuurHospital #CancerCare #ConnectedCare #PublicPrivatePartnership #SurgeryWithSoul