Redefining Radiology: Morton & Partners Launches a Patient-Centered Imaging Centre in Cape Town

7 mins read
radiology innovation patient-centered care

Morton & Partners has opened a new radiology centre in Cape Town’s Riverlands Mall that feels warm and welcoming, not cold and clinical. Using advanced AI-powered MRI and CT scanners, the centre offers quick, same-day appointments in a cozy space designed for patient comfort. It also features a special Women’s Wellness area and easy access for busy city residents. This new centre blends cutting-edge technology with kindness, making health scans easier and less stressful for everyone.

What makes Morton & Partners’ new radiology centre in Cape Town unique?

Morton & Partners’ Riverlands Mall centre combines advanced AI-powered MRI and CT technology with patient-centered design, offering accessible, efficient diagnostic imaging. Features include same-day appointments, a Women’s Wellness area, and a warm, comfortable environment that prioritizes patient comfort and convenience in Cape Town.

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A New Era for Diagnostic Care in Cape Town

Cape Town’s medical landscape has witnessed a transformative addition with the opening of Morton & Partners’ latest radiology centre at Riverlands Mall in Observatory. This bold move not only extends the group’s geographic reach but also signals a pioneering shift in how patients experience diagnostic imaging. While MRI machines and advanced monitors may still hum in the background, this new facility offers far more than cold technology—it brings warmth, accessibility, and a quiet revolution to the heart of the city.

Riverlands Mall, with its crisp architecture and bustling atmosphere, sits at the intersection of daily life and healthcare. Morton & Partners chose this location with careful strategy. Just minutes away from Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, and Rondebosch Medical Centre, the centre grants patients easy access to top-tier radiology without the complications of navigating sprawling hospital corridors. At Riverlands, patients step into an inviting environment designed with their comfort as a central priority, sidestepping the intimidation and confusion often associated with large medical complexes.

The official opening on May 29th, 2025, felt more like a celebration of progress than a typical ribbon-cutting. Early appointments booked through the centre’s digital portal reflected the growing demand for efficient, accessible care. This digital-first approach mirrors a larger movement in healthcare, inspired by the sweeping technological shifts that reshaped industries like banking and travel at the dawn of the digital age. Here, Morton & Partners embraces the future, making care more convenient for Cape Town’s fast-paced urban community.

Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Human-Centered Design

Yet the advances at Riverlands Mall go far beyond streamlined bookings. Morton & Partners has equipped the facility with some of the world’s most advanced diagnostic tools, including state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanners. Most notably, Riverlands debuts the Phillips CT 5 300—the first installation of its kind on the African continent. This revolutionary scanner leverages artificial intelligence to enhance image clarity while optimizing workflow, reducing scan times, and improving accuracy. By integrating AI, Riverlands shows how technology can elevate care, turning what once felt impersonal into a powerful tool for better health outcomes.

Step inside the centre, and the difference becomes clear. The design philosophy abandons the cold sterility of traditional radiology suites in favor of soft lighting, comfortable seating, and thoughtfully planned dressing areas. These aesthetic choices do more than please the eye—they actively support patient well-being. Even the smallest details, from soothing color palettes to private changing spaces, underscore Morton & Partners’ commitment to delivering an environment where patients feel respected and at ease.

This sense of hospitality extends beyond the waiting room. The Riverlands location allows patients to coordinate appointments with daily errands or meetings, taking advantage of the mall’s many amenities, from pharmacies to coffee shops. In a city renowned for its vibrancy, Morton & Partners acknowledges the realities of modern life—offering healthcare that fits seamlessly into every patient’s unique schedule.

Leadership, Vision, and a Focus on Women’s Wellness

During a conversation with Ari Fonarov, CEO of Morton & Partners, the philosophy behind this bold new venture became clear. “Our aim is to transform the radiology experience by delivering world-class diagnostics in a setting built for comfort and efficiency. This expansion places patients at the center, making exceptional care widely accessible.” Fonarov’s words reflect a broader wave of change in South African healthcare—a shift away from hierarchical, clinical encounters toward a model where the patient’s needs shape every decision.

This forward-thinking spirit finds its fullest expression in the centre’s Women’s Wellness area. Here, Morton & Partners raises the bar for privacy and support. Dr. Jacqueline Kieck, a radiologist stationed at Riverlands, described the approach: “Women’s health requires sensitivity and trust. Our Women’s Wellness area gives patients a secure, private space for essential screenings, with a team that combines compassion with expertise.” By drawing on global best practices in women’s imaging and wellness, the centre removes longstanding barriers to regular screenings—making preventive care more approachable for women across the city.

Beyond women’s health, Riverlands offers a suite of specialized services that cater to Cape Town’s diverse and active population. Sports imaging and joint injections meet the needs of athletes and weekend warriors alike, aligning with the city’s enthusiasm for fitness and outdoor pursuits. Oncology imaging brings advanced technology to bear in the fight against cancer, supporting early detection and ongoing treatment. Cardiac imaging, powered by leading-edge diagnostics, delivers crucial insights for one of the country’s most pressing health challenges. Every service reflects a deep understanding of local needs and a determination to meet them with expertise and empathy.

Efficiency, Empathy, and the Patient Experience Reimagined

Riverlands Mall’s radiology centre stands out for its commitment to efficiency and patient satisfaction. The team has reengineered operations to minimize wait times—an extraordinary achievement in a field where delays are often the norm. Same-day appointments are frequently available, sparing patients the frustration of long waits. By sidestepping the congestion typical of hospital walk-in departments, the centre maintains a calm, focused atmosphere. AI-powered scanners further streamline the process, boosting both throughput and diagnostic precision.

Staffed by local professionals, the Riverlands team exemplifies a blend of technical skill and genuine care. Radiographers and radiologists engage with patients as partners on the health journey, drawing inspiration from patient-centered care models pioneered in Scandinavian countries in the 1970s. At Riverlands, every interaction recognizes the patient’s story, not just their symptoms, bringing a sense of connection and reassurance that sets the centre apart.

Even the physical space tells a new narrative. Polished surfaces, warm tones, and spacious dressing rooms invite visitors to relax rather than rush. Waiting areas do not serve as mere holding zones; they offer pockets of calm where anxiety can dissipate. This design philosophy, echoing trends in contemporary architecture, erases the boundaries between public and private, clinical and personal—creating a space that feels as nurturing as it is functional.

Stories from early visitors underscore the impact of these changes. One woman recalled arriving early for her mammogram, savoring a coffee from a nearby café, and feeling a sense of normalcy that eased her nerves. Another patient, an amateur cyclist nursing a knee injury, praised the friendly staff who not only performed his scan but also offered guidance on his training and recovery. These moments illustrate how a thoughtfully designed setting can transform not only the process but also the very experience of medical care.

Setting a New Standard for South African Healthcare

The arrival of Morton & Partners at Riverlands Mall marks a watershed moment for diagnostic imaging in South Africa. By marrying leading-edge technology, community integration, and a relentless focus on patient comfort, the centre sets a new benchmark for excellence. As healthcare continues to move beyond the confines of hospitals, Riverlands offers a compelling model for future clinics—one where innovation and compassion walk hand in hand.

Cape Town, a city defined by its energy and diversity, now boasts a radiology centre that captures its progressive spirit. In the hands of Morton & Partners, diagnostic imaging sheds its clinical aloofness and embraces a more human face. Riverlands Mall stands as a beacon—quietly redefining what it means to care, diagnose, and ultimately, to heal. In doing so, it not only raises the bar for medical imaging but also reminds the city’s residents that healthcare can, and should, fit their lives—never the other way around.

What technology does Morton & Partners’ new radiology centre in Cape Town use?

Morton & Partners’ Riverlands Mall centre is equipped with some of the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology available, including AI-powered MRI and CT scanners. Notably, it features the Phillips CT 5 300—the first of its kind on the African continent—which uses artificial intelligence to enhance image clarity, reduce scan times, optimize workflow, and improve diagnostic accuracy. This integration of AI technology allows for faster, more precise scans, supporting better health outcomes.


How does the centre ensure a patient-centered experience?

The centre is designed to feel warm and welcoming rather than cold and clinical. It incorporates soft lighting, comfortable seating, private changing rooms, and soothing color palettes to create a calming atmosphere that supports patient well-being. Staff members engage with patients empathetically, treating them as partners in their healthcare journey. Additionally, same-day appointments and efficient workflows minimize wait times and reduce stress, making the entire diagnostic process smoother and more pleasant.


What special services does Morton & Partners offer at the Riverlands Mall location?

Beyond general diagnostic imaging, the centre offers specialized services tailored to the needs of Cape Town’s diverse community. These include a dedicated Women’s Wellness area for sensitive and private screenings, sports imaging and joint injections for athletes, oncology imaging for cancer detection and management, and advanced cardiac imaging. These services combine cutting-edge technology with expert care to address a wide range of health concerns.


Where is the new radiology centre located and why was this location chosen?

The centre is located inside Riverlands Mall in Observatory, Cape Town—a strategic choice that places it minutes away from major hospitals such as Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, and Rondebosch Medical Centre. This convenient, central location allows patients to access top-tier radiology services without navigating large hospital complexes. Being in a mall also enables patients to combine visits with errands or enjoy nearby amenities like pharmacies and cafés.


How can patients book appointments at the Riverlands Mall radiology centre?

Morton & Partners offers a digital-first booking system that allows patients to schedule same-day appointments conveniently through an online portal. This approach reflects a modern, user-friendly experience designed to fit the busy lifestyles of Cape Town residents. By streamlining the scheduling process, the centre reduces delays and enhances accessibility.


What makes Morton & Partners’ Women’s Wellness area unique?

The Women’s Wellness area at Riverlands Mall is designed to provide privacy, comfort, and specialized support for women’s health screenings. Led by experienced radiologists such as Dr. Jacqueline Kieck, this space prioritizes sensitivity, trust, and expertise, removing barriers to preventive care. The centre follows global best practices to ensure that women feel secure and cared for during essential screenings like mammograms and other diagnostic tests.

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