Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Medical Negligence and Poor Hospital Service - Wilgeheuwel Hospital

I wish to bring to your attention a disturbing experience I encountered at Wilgeheuwel Hospital in October 2024. I was admitted for severe abdominal pain and, after five days in a ward, it was determined that I required a scope procedure. During my stay, I shared a ward with four other gentlemen, three of whom formally lodged complaints regarding the inadequate service provided by the assigned medical staff.

Eventually, I was scheduled for the procedure, and given my history of malignant hyperthermia, I was advised that I would be among the first patients in line for surgery. However, due to evident incompetence among the nursing staff and the attending physician, I was taken to the operating theater at 11:00 PM. On that day, I warned the nursing staff that proceeding with the surgery could jeopardize my safety, considering my medical condition.

Upon entering the operating room, the anesthetist inquired about any allergies. I informed her of my condition—malignant hyperthermia—and was subsequently removed from the theater due to this critical information. It is alarming to consider that a failure to communicate this could have resulted in severe consequences for my health. Consequently, I contacted my wife at midnight to retrieve me, feeling profoundly distressed by the negligence exhibited by the hospital staff.

The following day, I met with hospital management to discuss my experience, which led to the initiation of an internal investigation. Wilgeheuwel Hospital subsequently rescheduled my procedure, which was to occur within 48 hours. However, when I arranged and paid for the procedure following my formal complaint, the accounts department stated that I would receive a full refund for the deposit made for the colonoscopy. I am still waiting for that refund??

To my surprise, four months later exact date 18/03/25, I received a notification indicating a short payment, the reason for which remains unclear. This situation is unacceptable. I request a detailed update regarding the investigation into the physician and staff's negligence. Although I initially chose not to pursue legal representation, I am reconsidering this decision. Furthermore, I will not submit any additional payments to Wilgeheuwel Hospital under these circumstances.

I find this situation to be highly objectionable, and I will not return to this hospital due to the deplorable service experienced. For your records, my account reference number is ***. I welcome communication regarding this matter; however, should it remain unresolved, I will be compelled to seek legal counsel and file a complaint with the ombudsman concerning medical negligence.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.