Based on recent customer reviews, Groote Schuur Hospital receives predominantly negative feedback centred on patient care and communication. Customers consistently mention poor communication from doctors and nursing staff, with families struggling to obtain clear updates on diagnoses and treatment plans. A recurring theme is concerns around hygiene in restrooms and wards, alongside perceived staff indifference, dismissive attitudes, and delayed responses to patient distress. Some reviewers acknowledge that staff are overworked and highlight individual acts of genuine care, particularly in specialist wards, but these positive experiences are overshadowed by distressing accounts of neglect.
NPS Score
-50
Recommended: Unlikely
Nov '25 - Oct '26
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Hellopeter has tracked Groote Schuur Hospital across 86 reviews. Groote Schuur Hospital hasn't collected enough recent reviews — at least 10 in the last 12 months are needed — to calculate a TrustIndex score. Have you used Groote Schuur Hospital? Write a review to help others decide.
Recent reviews (8)
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Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since May 2024
Serious Concerns Regarding Patient Care, Communication and Dismissal of Medical Concerns
⭐ 1-Star Review – Groote Schuur Hospital Minor Emergency Unit I am absolutely fuming after our experience at the Groote Schuur Hospital Minor Emergency Unit. My 74-year-old father arrived with a gash to his head, and we spent over 8 hours in the unit with virtually no communication or information about what was happening. As a family member sitting there with an elderly parent who has suffered a head injury, the lack of communication was completely unacceptable. What upset me most, however, was the way my concerns were repeatedly dismissed by the nursing staff. My father became sleepy, which immediately concerned me given that he had sustained a head injury. I raised this concern with the nurse, expecting her, as a medical professional, to take it seriously and assess whether this was something that needed attention. Instead, I was told, “Oh, maybe it’s past his bedtime.” That response was incredibly dismissive. I know my father. I know what is normal for him, and I was raising a genuine concern about a change in his behaviour following a head injury. Later, I told the nurse that he wasn’t remembering things and that this was not normal for him. I specifically explained that my father does not have dementia and that this was a noticeable change from his normal behaviour. Again, I felt completely dismissed and ignored. I am not a medical professional, but I shouldn’t have to be one to expect a healthcare professional to listen when the family of an elderly patient says, “This is not normal for him.” At the very least, those concerns deserved to be properly acknowledged and assessed. And then there was the basic treatment of my father while we waited. A 74-year-old man with a head injury was left sitting on a chair for hours. When he said he was cold, he was covered with a towel. For hours, we sat there with little to no information, in an environment where nobody seemed to feel any urgency to communicate with us. The nurses were rude and dismissive. The security staff were of little help. Nobody seemed willing to take responsibility for keeping the family informed. I genuinely want to know: Is this what patients and families are expected to experience in a government hospital? I understand that government hospitals are under enormous pressure. I understand that staff are overworked and that emergency departments can be extremely busy. But being busy is not an excuse for treating vulnerable, elderly patients and their families without basic compassion, dignity or communication. These are people who have devoted their lives to saving and caring for others — and yet, when they themselves are vulnerable, this is how they are treated. The facility may have been upgraded, but a renovated building means absolutely nothing if the standard of patient care and communication remains like this. I deeply regret not getting the nurse’s name because I would have liked to formally identify and report the way my concerns were handled. Patients are not numbers. Elderly people deserve dignity. Families deserve communication. And when a family member raises a genuine concern about a change in an elderly patient’s condition following a head injury, they deserve to be listened to — not dismissed. This experience was unacceptable, deeply upsetting and frankly disgraceful.
1 reviews | Active since May 2024
Serious Concerns Regarding Patient Care, Communication and Dismissal of Medical Concerns
⭐ 1-Star Review – Groote Schuur Hospital Minor Emergency Unit I am absolutely fuming after our experience at the Groote Schuur Hospital Minor Emergency Unit. My 74-year-old father arrived with a gash to his head, and we spent over 8 hours in the unit with virtually no communication or information about what was happening. As a family member sitting there with an elderly parent who has suffered a head injury, the lack of communication was completely unacceptable. What upset me most, however, was the way my concerns were repeatedly dismissed by the nursing staff. My father became sleepy, which immediately concerned me given that he had sustained a head injury. I raised this concern with the nurse, expecting her, as a medical professional, to take it seriously and assess whether this was something that needed attention. Instead, I was told, “Oh, maybe it’s past his bedtime.” That response was incredibly dismissive. I know my father. I know what is normal for him, and I was raising a genuine concern about a change in his behaviour following a head injury. Later, I told the nurse that he wasn’t remembering things and that this was not normal for him. I specifically explained that my father does not have dementia and that this was a noticeable change from his normal behaviour. Again, I felt completely dismissed and ignored. I am not a medical professional, but I shouldn’t have to be one to expect a healthcare professional to listen when the family of an elderly patient says, “This is not normal for him.” At the very least, those concerns deserved to be properly acknowledged and assessed. And then there was the basic treatment of my father while we waited. A 74-year-old man with a head injury was left sitting on a chair for hours. When he said he was cold, he was covered with a towel. For hours, we sat there with little to no information, in an environment where nobody seemed to feel any urgency to communicate with us. The nurses were rude and dismissive. The security staff were of little help. Nobody seemed willing to take responsibility for keeping the family informed. I genuinely want to know: Is this what patients and families are expected to experience in a government hospital? I understand that government hospitals are under enormous pressure. I understand that staff are overworked and that emergency departments can be extremely busy. But being busy is not an excuse for treating vulnerable, elderly patients and their families without basic compassion, dignity or communication. These are people who have devoted their lives to saving and caring for others — and yet, when they themselves are vulnerable, this is how they are treated. The facility may have been upgraded, but a renovated building means absolutely nothing if the standard of patient care and communication remains like this. I deeply regret not getting the nurse’s name because I would have liked to formally identify and report the way my concerns were handled. Patients are not numbers. Elderly people deserve dignity. Families deserve communication. And when a family member raises a genuine concern about a change in an elderly patient’s condition following a head injury, they deserve to be listened to — not dismissed. This experience was unacceptable, deeply upsetting and frankly disgraceful.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
No basic need for us
Im utterly disappointed in the service,my brother was in an emergency ward for 3 days sitting on a chair,when he was attended to the doctor advised him he defaulted on meds assumption,but this was not the case,he was taking his meds,when he consumed it he throw it up, So its not that he defaulted on the meds his body couldn't consume it.So we he rushed himself to the hospital and stayed there for few weeks, The nurses in the place are not compassionate for there duties,i only met 2 nurses that really wants to be there, the doctor not completely understanding his situation discharged him still very ill. The basic need is to ensure the person can eat an drink on his own and can understand you clearly,for a doctor to check for understanding is important,Doctor didn't take in consideration the man has illusinate. But im a bit to immotional at this stage however,they discharged him based on they need beds for other patients. He was discharge unwell and extremely sick,he was put into self care,how do you send a man that could walk now not walk out. I will complete my complaint as detailed as possible shortly.I want a assurance manager to discuss the way forward.When i called an asked for ma assurance manager i was advised we don't have one.How do you work in place an you don't even know your own process.When we returned with my brother at the hospital he was admitted with the name Mr no name no surname i had to go search in wards to look for him, when i asked the nurse she was watching a show on her phone and asked me to go ask the other one,she also was on her phone also watching a show.she asked me who said he was here,i said i had to call this hospital over 20 times for them to tell me his here,so i saw him in that same ward that they told me he was not in,but again i will give more detailed information on my complain
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2026
No basic need for us
Im utterly disappointed in the service,my brother was in an emergency ward for 3 days sitting on a chair,when he was attended to the doctor advised him he defaulted on meds assumption,but this was not the case,he was taking his meds,when he consumed it he throw it up, So its not that he defaulted on the meds his body couldn't consume it.So we he rushed himself to the hospital and stayed there for few weeks, The nurses in the place are not compassionate for there duties,i only met 2 nurses that really wants to be there, the doctor not completely understanding his situation discharged him still very ill. The basic need is to ensure the person can eat an drink on his own and can understand you clearly,for a doctor to check for understanding is important,Doctor didn't take in consideration the man has illusinate. But im a bit to immotional at this stage however,they discharged him based on they need beds for other patients. He was discharge unwell and extremely sick,he was put into self care,how do you send a man that could walk now not walk out. I will complete my complaint as detailed as possible shortly.I want a assurance manager to discuss the way forward.When i called an asked for ma assurance manager i was advised we don't have one.How do you work in place an you don't even know your own process.When we returned with my brother at the hospital he was admitted with the name Mr no name no surname i had to go search in wards to look for him, when i asked the nurse she was watching a show on her phone and asked me to go ask the other one,she also was on her phone also watching a show.she asked me who said he was here,i said i had to call this hospital over 20 times for them to tell me his here,so i saw him in that same ward that they told me he was not in,but again i will give more detailed information on my complain
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2023
The buildings are clean and easily accessible, and the staff at the endicronology department truly deliver efficient, professional service
The buildings are clean and easily accessible, and the staff at the endicronology department truly deliver efficient, professional service. Truly well-run and making a difficult experience so much easier.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2023
The buildings are clean and easily accessible, and the staff at the endicronology department truly deliver efficient, professional service
The buildings are clean and easily accessible, and the staff at the endicronology department truly deliver efficient, professional service. Truly well-run and making a difficult experience so much easier.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2024
VERY BAD patient CARE
Worst treatment ever - send people home without full assessment because they need the beds for people who came in with gunshot wounds rather. Self inflicted, gang related but you send real sick people home. I would like to tell you what and how I really feel but that will get me in trouble, Instead I am now trying to see how we can accommodate my dad to get him proper treatment. Once I have all the facts in hand, I will take this matter further as it is not the way to treat sick people. This review is only a place for me to vent because nothing will be done about it anyway. Gangsters gets preference. And believe me, being a first responder, I FULLY understand a triage. But with the Xrays I have and knowing what my dad looks like, they have gone far enough with this ill-treatment. Pathetic. I am sorry for those who try, just a pitty my dad did not have the privilege to be seen by you. For most of the staff just don't care. If doing this type of job is a problem for you, you are in the wrong profession. I am disgusted but I will go the legal route with this one. Trust me,
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2024
VERY BAD patient CARE
Worst treatment ever - send people home without full assessment because they need the beds for people who came in with gunshot wounds rather. Self inflicted, gang related but you send real sick people home. I would like to tell you what and how I really feel but that will get me in trouble, Instead I am now trying to see how we can accommodate my dad to get him proper treatment. Once I have all the facts in hand, I will take this matter further as it is not the way to treat sick people. This review is only a place for me to vent because nothing will be done about it anyway. Gangsters gets preference. And believe me, being a first responder, I FULLY understand a triage. But with the Xrays I have and knowing what my dad looks like, they have gone far enough with this ill-treatment. Pathetic. I am sorry for those who try, just a pitty my dad did not have the privilege to be seen by you. For most of the staff just don't care. If doing this type of job is a problem for you, you are in the wrong profession. I am disgusted but I will go the legal route with this one. Trust me,
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2022
Hospital Treatment & Communication
My mother was transferred to Groote Schuur Hospital during the early hours of 26 April (approximately 3am–4am) for further scans after X-rays revealed two fractured vertebrae. What followed has been extremely distressing and deeply concerning for our family. Upon arrival, my mother’s catheter was already full, yet it was only emptied and replaced at the end of the day. Despite being in severe pain with spinal fractures, she only received pain medication at approximately 3pm–4pm, many hours after admission. After the MRI, my mother was initially informed that she had one fractured vertebra and one broken vertebra. A week later, one of the specialists involved in her care advised her that she could begin sitting up. Shockingly, the very next day, the doctor from the Trauma Unit reviewed her file and contradicted this advice entirely, instructing her not to move because she in fact had two broken vertebrae, although he stated the condition was stable. The conflicting information provided regarding such a serious spinal injury has left my mother frightened, confused, and uncertain about her condition. During this period, my mother also developed an infection. She was advised that treatment could not commence until urine test results were received. As a result, she suffered for an entire week without treatment for the infection. She was further informed that both urine and blood tests would be conducted; however, when the results became available, the only explanation provided was that the doctor was unhappy with one of the blood test results and therefore supplements needed to be administered via a drip. Further blood tests were also ordered. Despite repeatedly asking for clarity and constructive feedback regarding her condition, the purpose of the tests, and the medication being administered, my mother has continuously been brushed off. She is repeatedly told that the doctor will return to explain matters, but this rarely happens. To date, she still has no understanding of what blood tests were conducted, why additional testing was required, or what the medical team is investigating. While we are grateful that investigations and testing are being carried out, it is fundamentally a patient’s right to understand their medical condition, why tests are being performed, and why specific medication or treatment is being prescribed. We fully appreciate that this is a public hospital operating under immense pressure and treating a high volume of patients. However, this does not make it acceptable for patients and their families to be left uninformed, confused, and distressed during what is already an extremely traumatic experience.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2022
Hospital Treatment & Communication
My mother was transferred to Groote Schuur Hospital during the early hours of 26 April (approximately 3am–4am) for further scans after X-rays revealed two fractured vertebrae. What followed has been extremely distressing and deeply concerning for our family. Upon arrival, my mother’s catheter was already full, yet it was only emptied and replaced at the end of the day. Despite being in severe pain with spinal fractures, she only received pain medication at approximately 3pm–4pm, many hours after admission. After the MRI, my mother was initially informed that she had one fractured vertebra and one broken vertebra. A week later, one of the specialists involved in her care advised her that she could begin sitting up. Shockingly, the very next day, the doctor from the Trauma Unit reviewed her file and contradicted this advice entirely, instructing her not to move because she in fact had two broken vertebrae, although he stated the condition was stable. The conflicting information provided regarding such a serious spinal injury has left my mother frightened, confused, and uncertain about her condition. During this period, my mother also developed an infection. She was advised that treatment could not commence until urine test results were received. As a result, she suffered for an entire week without treatment for the infection. She was further informed that both urine and blood tests would be conducted; however, when the results became available, the only explanation provided was that the doctor was unhappy with one of the blood test results and therefore supplements needed to be administered via a drip. Further blood tests were also ordered. Despite repeatedly asking for clarity and constructive feedback regarding her condition, the purpose of the tests, and the medication being administered, my mother has continuously been brushed off. She is repeatedly told that the doctor will return to explain matters, but this rarely happens. To date, she still has no understanding of what blood tests were conducted, why additional testing was required, or what the medical team is investigating. While we are grateful that investigations and testing are being carried out, it is fundamentally a patient’s right to understand their medical condition, why tests are being performed, and why specific medication or treatment is being prescribed. We fully appreciate that this is a public hospital operating under immense pressure and treating a high volume of patients. However, this does not make it acceptable for patients and their families to be left uninformed, confused, and distressed during what is already an extremely traumatic experience.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
POOR HYGIENE AND LACK OF BASIC FACILITIES
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the unhygienic conditions and lack of basic facilities I experienced during my visit to Groote Schuur Hospital’s Emergency Unit today. I rushed directly from work to attend to my sister in the Emergency Unit and did not have the opportunity to use the restroom beforehand. Upon arriving at the hospital, I went to use the toilet and was shocked by the conditions. The toilet smelled extremely bad and had no toilet paper, no hand sanitizer, and no soap available. In addition, there were no toilet seats, which further added to the unhygienic and undignified conditions. I approached security at the checkpoint to report the issue and was advised to go to the security desk. The staff at the desk stated that they could not assist as they were security personnel. I then requested that they contact the necessary cleaning staff; however, their attitude felt dismissive and unhelpful, which was very disappointing given the circumstances. After several back-and-forth discussions, security staff checked the men’s toilets as well, only to find that they also had no toilet paper. Eventually, I was given paper towels and advised to use them and dispose of them in the sanitary bin. This is completely unacceptable and unhygienic, particularly in a hospital environment where infection control should be a top priority. What made the situation even more concerning was the absence of any visible cleaning staff in the area. The hygiene standards I encountered were extremely poor and far below what one would expect from a major hospital. Groote Schuur Hospital urgently needs to address these issues and ensure that proper hygiene measures and basic supplies are consistently in place. I trust this matter will be taken seriously and look forward to hearing what steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
POOR HYGIENE AND LACK OF BASIC FACILITIES
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the unhygienic conditions and lack of basic facilities I experienced during my visit to Groote Schuur Hospital’s Emergency Unit today. I rushed directly from work to attend to my sister in the Emergency Unit and did not have the opportunity to use the restroom beforehand. Upon arriving at the hospital, I went to use the toilet and was shocked by the conditions. The toilet smelled extremely bad and had no toilet paper, no hand sanitizer, and no soap available. In addition, there were no toilet seats, which further added to the unhygienic and undignified conditions. I approached security at the checkpoint to report the issue and was advised to go to the security desk. The staff at the desk stated that they could not assist as they were security personnel. I then requested that they contact the necessary cleaning staff; however, their attitude felt dismissive and unhelpful, which was very disappointing given the circumstances. After several back-and-forth discussions, security staff checked the men’s toilets as well, only to find that they also had no toilet paper. Eventually, I was given paper towels and advised to use them and dispose of them in the sanitary bin. This is completely unacceptable and unhygienic, particularly in a hospital environment where infection control should be a top priority. What made the situation even more concerning was the absence of any visible cleaning staff in the area. The hygiene standards I encountered were extremely poor and far below what one would expect from a major hospital. Groote Schuur Hospital urgently needs to address these issues and ensure that proper hygiene measures and basic supplies are consistently in place. I trust this matter will be taken seriously and look forward to hearing what steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2025
From food to bad
They gone from good to bad. Most of their staff are genuine, however their admin staff are bad. Doesn't matter who you email, they don't respond to your mail. You must live half blind, can't get a appointment for a eye operation, was even willing to pay extra for that and the reason for not getting a appointment from them was that it is not a emergency, pathetic . They becoming just like the state hospital's in Jo'burg
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2025
From food to bad
They gone from good to bad. Most of their staff are genuine, however their admin staff are bad. Doesn't matter who you email, they don't respond to your mail. You must live half blind, can't get a appointment for a eye operation, was even willing to pay extra for that and the reason for not getting a appointment from them was that it is not a emergency, pathetic . They becoming just like the state hospital's in Jo'burg