Dr. Gawie Roux is a man of many talents and accomplishments, underpinned by a compassionate heart and a desire to support and celebrate the value of life. He works closely with his wife Hannelie (a registered nurse) to research and develop products that make a difference in the lives of those who struggle with eating and swallowing difficulties, with a focus on the elderly.
Dr. Roux works as a GP in Toowoomba, with a special interest in dysphagia and skin cancer. The development of the RoseCup was inspired by his experience as the GP of an elderly patient named Rose Palmada. Rose was suffering from dementia and dysphagia, but she had a heroic son who fought against standard treatment to ensure she was able to eat without fear of choking. You can read her story here.
In South Africa, Dr. Roux was the principal associate in building the lead Medical Practice in Mossel Bay, from a one-doctor venture to a state of the art multi-doctor practice.
In Australia, Dr. Roux and Hannelie set up 3 practices – 2 of them with very challenging operational models and demographics. One of their clinics was regarded by the accreditation body AGPAL as the lead surgery in Australia from a business and operations point of view.
Together, Dr. Roux and Hannelie have been invited to act as Consultants to optimise business models to a network of medical clinics within Australia. Dr. Roux has served on several private and public Hospital Boards (3 in South Africa and 1 in Australia).
He also served as director on the board of Cardwell Care Incorporated from 2001 to 2004. Cardwell Care Inc was a not-for-profit organisation that controlled a large Rural Aged Care Facility. From 2001 Dr Roux served as director on the board of North West Queensland Primary Healthcare. This innovative “not for profit” primary healthcare organisation serviced a large area that stretched from Townsville on the east coast to the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 2006 Dr. Roux was elected as Chair of the Board and held the position for about 3 years. The organisation employed more than 110 staff with an annual turnover of $20m.
Dr. Roux owned a farm on the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains in Africa. He provided the groundwork to develop the farm into a nature-orientated resort.
In Australia the family purchased a farm in the Kennedy Valley, imported Nguni Embryos (an African cattle breed) and developed the index herd for the breed in Australia. Dr. Roux and Hannelie set up BeefKing, a unique beef retail business for Nguni-cross cattle. They also initiated NguniNatural a complimentary retail business of farm products in rural Queensland.
The RoseCup is a registered as a Class 1 Medical Device with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration TGA. (All medical devices marketed in Australia must meet the requirements which are set out in Chapter 4 of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, and in the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices) Regulations 2002.)
Disclaimer - The RoseCup product range is designed to help reduce the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) when used according to the product guidelines and recommendations. The product range does not prevent aspiration. The website Questionnaire is designed as a guide only, to assist with product selection. It is not to be used to replace a medical diagnosis. Please see your GP if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or eating. Product selection and use is undertaken at the consumer's discretion and risk.
