Poor Service I Experienced At Madadeni Regional Hospital

Dear Sir/ Madam

On April 13, 2023 around 09:00. I visited the Madadeni Regional Hospital, with a case of suspected angina.

Upon entering, to retrieve my file I was assisted by a very courteous security who assisted me with so much effort in giving me directions of what to expect during my visit.

However, everything went south when I reached the receptionist to collect my file. Money was demanded from me, under the guise of a "consultation fee", which I had no problem paying, provided I was informed prior as I did not carry any cash, as I was under the impression that, a provisional hospital is taken care of by the taxpayers and the government.

After an exchange of heated words with the personnel at the front desk, the floor manager of the department was called and after explaining to her that I don't mind paying, just that I did not bring any cash with me to the hospital, the manager or supervisor allowed me to proceed.

During the heated exchange of words (yelling and shouting, demanding to be let into the hospital because I am sick), I did remove a yellow paper at the reception window, which was obstructing the communication line between myself and the receptionist. After which I was accused of breaking the window, I did not break the window, nor did I touch the window.

Needless to say, I will be sharing my experience at the Madadeni Regional Hospital as far and wide as possible, so that the relevant authorities as well as the local newspaper are made aware of these emotionally draining individuals, who were not even wearing name badges.

One thing I picked up on is, when being assisted by a person of the Indian persuasion, she greeted with a smile, and proceeded to converse in a kind and polite tone, but when I was being assisted by a person of colour, it was as if I was Thabo Bester the country's most wanted ********, absolutely dispicable service by nurses who took an oath to serve and protect. The lady at the radiology and CT Scan, is very sluggish.

Something has to be done. I felt worse after every interaction with the staff at this hospital, apart from a few individuals, pure roses amongst the many thorns.

If you can, save yourself from the headache of poor service, rude nurses, find an alternative clinic or hospital. It is beyond me, as to how Madadeni Regional Hospital can be revitalized, for it to truly become the "Mthola Mpilo" it needs to be.

Before I am accused of being a pessimist. Don't get me wrong, there is more than one person at Madadeni Regional Hospital who are most deserving of the name service champion, but these shining stars are outnumbered by the rotten apple's. I will not even state what the booking clerk said to me as I was booking my follow up date. The attitude and work ethic is most shocking, considering these people work with sick people, absolutely appalling.

Cordially Yours Banele Sangweni