Formal Complaint Regarding Emergency Room Treatment – 10 April 2026

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Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Emergency Room Treatment – 10 April 2026

I am writing to formally raise my concerns regarding the treatment I received at your Emergency Room on 10 April 2026.

I presented at the ER with chest pain and pain radiating to my arm. Unfortunately, my experience was deeply disappointing and fell below the standard of care I expected.

During my visit, an ECG was attempted three times due to the nurse indicating that the machine was not functioning correctly. Even after the third attempt, she expressed dissatisfaction with the results and questioned whether I had another phone on me that could be interfering with the readings. This raised concerns regarding both the equipment and the reliability of the results obtained.

The attending doctor then indicated that the ECG would be repeated and referred me for a chest X-ray. Upon returning from the X-ray, I was left unattended for more than 30 minutes. During this time, a blood pressure machine had been switched on but was not app**** to my arm. When the nurse eventually returned, she laughed and called another nurse, and they both found amu*****t in the fact that the machine had been running without being connected to me. I found this behavior highly unprofessional and inappropriate given my condition.

Thereafter, the doctor discharged me, stating that the X-ray results were clear and advising that I return the following day for a sonar, suggesting the possibility of referred pain from my kidneys. I was also prescribed medication for reflux, along with pain medication and an antibiotic. When I enquired about the ECG results, I was informed that they were “fine” and would be used, despite earlier concerns expressed about their accuracy and the intention to repeat the test.

While waiting, another nurse approached me with an iPad to complete a questionnaire, which included unrelated questions such as whether I had any tattoos. When I questioned the relevance, I was informed that the nurse did not know the reason and that the questions were generated by the device.

I left the hospital still experiencing pain, and three days later, I continue to experience the same symptoms, with no clear diagnosis or explanation provided for my chest or arm pain.

On Saturday, I returned for the advised sonar, only to be informed that there was no record of any booking or referral on the system, and that the facility was fully booked. I was further advised that no referral letter had been issued by the attending doctor.

This experience is extremely concerning and, regrettably, not my first negative encounter at Sunninghill Hospital. In 2021, I underwent a hysterectomy at your facility, and my stay was equally distressing. I submitted a complaint at the time and have yet to receive any acknowledgment or response.

It is particularly disappointing that a significant amount was deducted from my medical aid savings for a service that did not provide adequate care or resolution. I am now compelled to seek assistance from another doctor and facility.

I request that this matter be urgently investigated and that I receive a formal response addressing the concerns raised above.

Yours sincerely Mrs Moodley