PROFESSOR WERNER RICHTER, SOMERSET WEST
I have a very reliable and competent ex-worker Sinethemba Qongquo who lives in Lwandle, unfortunately close to the breadline.
On Saturday he became seriously ill, unable to hold any food and showing signs of intestinal bleeding. His neighbour phoned Hottentots-Holland hospital and around 4.30pm he was picked up by an ambulance.
However, at the casualty section of the hospital he received NO ATTENTION, and remained in a chair until Monday morning. The doctor that saw him suggested that he had a bleeding ulcer, but said that they don’t have any medicine for his condition, although they had ordered some.
It was suggested that he go and see a private doctor, then ask the private doctor to phone the examining doctor to obtain the details of the suggested medicine. I took him to a doctor on Tuesday May 14, and paid for the examination.
This incident is similar to an incident on Friday November 25, 2022, when the same person went to Hottentots-Holland hospital in a poor condition and was told that they do not have a doctor to see him, but that he should return on the Tuesday, four days later ! I then took him to a private doctor, and again had to foot the bill.
I understand from friends that if you go the Clinic at the hospital, you generally get good treatment. So what is going on at the casualty section? What is puzzling is that if the hospital seems to be ill-equipped to handle even one such case competently, what hope is there for the thousands of people living in Lwandle and Nomzamo? Can anyone answer this?
Bolander approached the Western Cape Health Department for comment on the patient’s treatment at the Helderberg Hospital (previously known at Hottentots Holland Hospital). Western Cape Health spokesperson Abulele Dyasi responded.
“According to the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness Emergency Medical Services and Healthcare facility’s record system, the male patient last accessed our services in June 2020 where he was fully treated and managed correctly for the presenting condition.
“There are no further records of the patient accessing services on May 14, 2024. Due to service pressures, our teams are working tirelessly to provide healthcare services to our communities and attend to any complaints or queries within the allocated timeframe, within 5-7 business days.
“We care about the well-being of our patients and all patients should feel free to contact the facility managers if they have any questions or concerns. Complaints can also be made via our provincial complaints Call Centre at 0860 142 142,” Ms Dyasi said.
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