Terrible service at Dis-Chem Clinics - Northgate Mall

I went to Dis-Chem to get pectrolyte (which I got from the “over-the-counter-medication” section of the store) for my 3 year old son as he started throwing up early hours the “night” before. He had no fever. Later the day he developed a fever so I got worried, there were no doctors open near me and I didn’t feel it was serious enough to go to hospital. I decided to see if the Dis-Chem had a clinic with a Sister or Nurse on sight. To my delight the helpful lady at the front desk informed me there was, however the Nurse was only seeing patients by appointment but advised me to see if the Nurse would be able to see me or help me regardless. I found my way down to the clinic and found the Nurse in her office. I explained that I was made aware that she was only seeing patients made on appointment but asked if she had a few minutes to see me. Her next appointment was in 5 minutes she told me but asked how she could help. I began to explain my son’s condition when she cut me off half way to tell me that she does not do consolations. To which I responded that I was aware she’s not a doctors office but that there are no doctors open near us, when she cut me off again (in an agitated manner) and told me to go to the “over-the-counter-meds” desk, that they would be able to help me. I responded to say I had been there earlier the morning to get the pectrolyte. She then snapped at me, leaned forward and spoke in a very condescending voice and said, “you need to get CALPOL or PANADO to bring the fever down!” At which point I said thank you and walked away. I am absolutely horrified and disgusted by this treatment.

I solemnly pledge myself to the service of humanity and will endeavour to practise my profession with conscience and with dignity.

I will maintain, by all the means in my power, the honour and noble tradition of my profession.

The total health of my patients will be my first consideration.

I will hold in confidence all personal matters coming to my knowledge.

I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality, race or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.

I will maintain the utmost respect for human life.

I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.

This is the Nurses pledge. And now I ask you, how did she uphold her pledge. There was no respect, for me or my son’s life. She did not act in honor or with nobility. She did not consider my son’s health or the “state” of my mental health. As a mother with a sick child worried and afraid you would almost expect to feel safe or welcome to seek help from a nurse or medical staff at a clinic and especially one that is made available to us on a weekend and at a Dis-Chem no less. But I did not! I felt angry and distressed when walking away. If this is the kind of staff that Dis-Chem intends on appointing at there clinics I will never go to one again and I will certainly not EVER go back to the Dis-Chem at Northgate Mall, ever again. This incident happened on Saturday the 6th of October 2018.