Lack of empathy and poor patient care

I recently had a deeply disappointing and concerning experience at Medicross Edenvale with Dr. ZBS Sithole. Despite presenting with symptoms of a severe headache, debilitating body pains, runny tummy, and a low-grade fever, Dr. Sithole misdiagnosed me and dismissed my concerns about potentially having swine flu. At the time, there was a widespread outbreak of swine flu in our company, and I had been advised to seek immediate medical attention if I showed any flu-like symptoms.

During the brief consultation (about 5 to 10 minutes), I explicitly mentioned my 2-year-old daughter and my concerns about potentially exposing her to any viruses. I also shared my previous medical history, including low blood pressure and epilepsy, which I had been treated for in the past. However, Dr. Sithole didn't take the time to consider these factors or ask follow-up questions, it was a consult after all? I felt like my questions where being imposed on him. After my checkup he said I was perfectly fine. Instead, he simply recommended a nasal spray for congestion and told me I should take it for a few months.

What's even more alarming is that my 2-year-old daughter and husband the next day became severely ill with flu. We were isolated at home so no one else could of passed on any outside viruses to us which made me realize the gravity of Dr. Sithole's misdiagnosis. I was also taken aback by his lack of empathy and understanding when I mentioned my previous medical history and current circumstances. As a doctor, I expect a higher level of care and compassion, especially when dealing with vulnerable patients like young children and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Unfortunately, this was not my first negative experience with Dr. Sithole. I had previously witnessed similar behavior when I brought my daughter in for flu treatment, and she was dismissed without proper care. I hope that in the future, Dr. Sithole will take the time to listen to his patients, consider their individual circumstances, and provide more thoughtful and comprehensive care.

I understand that doctors are not always right, and maybe at the time, I didn't show any symptoms that indicated swine flu. However, Dr. Sithole's consult put me off totally, I just wanted to leave. His dismissive attitude and lack of empathy made me feel like I wasn't being taken seriously, and that's unacceptable. As a patient, I expect to be heard, understood, and treated with compassion, regardless of the diagnosis. Dr. Sithole fell short of that expectation, and I hope he will take my feedback to heart and improve his bedside manner.