Extremely Disappointed with Netcare St Augustine Hospital ER Experience

Review: I have been a loyal patient of Netcare St Augustine Hospital for many years, but my experience on 12 November 2025 has left me deeply disheartened. I arrived at the Emergency Room at 20h00 with a high fever and was initially assisted by the ER staff. A nurse administered a drip, and I was trying to rest when I was subjected to constant loud banging and drilling noises directly above me. This unbearable noise triggered a severe headache and made it impossible to rest or recover.

When I raised my concern with the attending doctor, she simply stated that if the noise was bothering me, I should “send an email” and then walked away. She mentioned she would order blood tests and X-rays, but after such dismissive treatment and the ongoing noise, I saw no reason to stay. The attending Dr did not even explain to me what bloods she will be doing....she just left. It is unacceptable that a hospital—especially one of Netcare’s reputation—would allow such disruptive conditions in an emergency ward, let alone dismiss a patient’s discomfort so casually. At 22h00, I left the hospital feeling worse than when I arrived, not because of my illness, but because of the lack of care and compassion shown. This experience has shaken my trust in a facility I once held in high regard. I sincerely hope this feedback is taken seriously and that urgent steps are taken to ensure no other patient has to endure what I did. Siyethemba Silungile Ncube