Unacceptable Admission Practices and Lack of Transparency – Netcare Waterfall City Hospital

On 15 October 2026, Miss Thato Letticia Ramohapi (PMI No: ***, Case No: ***) was admitted to Netcare Waterfall City Hospital at 19:11 with a referral letter from her GP, in severe pain and requiring urgent care. She was admitted to the Resus Clinic (Outpatient) and medical procedures were performed, including blood work and tests, with results received around midnight.

Despite this, the hospital failed to inform her at the time of admission that there were no available beds in the ICU or appropriate ward. Only at approximately 03:00 am the following morning was she advised that no beds were available. This lack of transparency and communication is unacceptable.

Under South Africa's Patients' Rights Charter, every patient has the right to:

Safe and quality care – including proper admission procedures and transparency about bed availability.

Informed consent – hospitals must disclose limitations such as ICU bed shortages before admission.

Timely emergency care – refusal or delay in treatment without valid reason can amount to negligence.

The hospital's failure to communicate the bed shortage before performing medical procedures caused Miss Ramohapi unnecessary emotional and physical distress. This reflects poor coordination and disregard for patient rights and dignity.

I request that Netcare Waterfall City Hospital investigate this matter urgently and provide a formal explanation, along with corrective measures to ensure that no other patient suffers similar treatment.