Based on recent customer reviews, Steve Biko Academic Hospital receives mixed but predominantly critical feedback from patients and their families. A recurring theme is frustration with unanswered phone lines, long waiting periods for scheduled operations, and poor communication around referrals. Patients consistently mention concerns about staff conduct, including dismissive treatment, alleged discrimination, and inadequate porter support. Some reviewers also raise alarm about a recruitment scam using the hospital's name. On the positive side, customers highlight excellent care from specific doctors and nursing teams, particularly in ICU and dermatology, alongside friendly security staff.
TrustIndex
2.6
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Biko Academic Hospital
What do customers say about Steve Biko Academic Hospital?
Based on recent customer reviews, Steve Biko Academic Hospital receives mixed but predominantly critical feedback from patients and their families. A recurring theme is frustration with unanswered phone lines, long waiting periods for scheduled operations, and poor communication around referrals. Patients consistently mention concerns about staff conduct, including dismissive treatment, alleged discrimination, and inadequate porter support. Some reviewers also raise alarm about a recruitment scam using the hospital's name. On the positive side, customers highlight excellent care from specific doctors and nursing teams, particularly in ICU and dermatology, alongside friendly security staff.
Is Steve Biko Academic Hospital trustworthy?
Steve Biko Academic Hospital has a TrustIndex of 2.6 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 10 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Steve Biko Academic Hospital across 122 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (10)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Apr 2024
URGENT COMPLAINT – ONE FUNCTIONING C-SECTION THEATRE
To: Steve Biko Academic Hospital Management I would like to formally complain about the current situation in the Labour Theatre at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. I am currently admitted at the hospital waiting for my C-section, but there is only one functioning theatre for Caesarean sections instead of two. This has caused significant delays for patients who are waiting for their procedures. My concern is not that the hospital has emergencies. We all understand that Steve Biko is a major hospital and that emergencies are expected, especially in the maternity and labour department. That is exactly why I am asking why there is only one functioning C-section theatre available. Hospital management knows that there will be emergencies and that pregnant women will require emergency and planned Caesarean sections. There should therefore be proper planning and sufficient functioning theatre capacity to deal with these patients. It is extremely stressful for patients to be admitted, prepared and left waiting because there is only one theatre available. We should not have to suffer the consequences of a lack of adequate theatre capacity when the hospital already knows the number and seriousness of cases it deals with. I would like Hospital Management to explain: - Why is there only one functioning C-section theatre? - Why is the second theatre not operational? - How long has the second theatre been unavailable? - What is being done to resolve the situation urgently? - How are planned C-sections being managed while only one theatre is available? - What measures are being put in place to ensure that patients are not left waiting unnecessarily? I am asking that this matter be taken seriously and escalated to the relevant senior management and the Gauteng Department of Health. Patients should not be expected to simply accept long delays because there is only one functioning theatre at a major hospital that already knows it has to deal with emergencies. I would like a clear response from management regarding why this situation is happening and what is being done about it.
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2024
URGENT COMPLAINT – ONE FUNCTIONING C-SECTION THEATRE
To: Steve Biko Academic Hospital Management I would like to formally complain about the current situation in the Labour Theatre at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. I am currently admitted at the hospital waiting for my C-section, but there is only one functioning theatre for Caesarean sections instead of two. This has caused significant delays for patients who are waiting for their procedures. My concern is not that the hospital has emergencies. We all understand that Steve Biko is a major hospital and that emergencies are expected, especially in the maternity and labour department. That is exactly why I am asking why there is only one functioning C-section theatre available. Hospital management knows that there will be emergencies and that pregnant women will require emergency and planned Caesarean sections. There should therefore be proper planning and sufficient functioning theatre capacity to deal with these patients. It is extremely stressful for patients to be admitted, prepared and left waiting because there is only one theatre available. We should not have to suffer the consequences of a lack of adequate theatre capacity when the hospital already knows the number and seriousness of cases it deals with. I would like Hospital Management to explain: - Why is there only one functioning C-section theatre? - Why is the second theatre not operational? - How long has the second theatre been unavailable? - What is being done to resolve the situation urgently? - How are planned C-sections being managed while only one theatre is available? - What measures are being put in place to ensure that patients are not left waiting unnecessarily? I am asking that this matter be taken seriously and escalated to the relevant senior management and the Gauteng Department of Health. Patients should not be expected to simply accept long delays because there is only one functioning theatre at a major hospital that already knows it has to deal with emergencies. I would like a clear response from management regarding why this situation is happening and what is being done about it.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2017
Worst experience and my uncle went missing
My uncle went missing Good day team my uncle was supposed to be getting help at this hospital but since January 2026 he dont get results now he was admitted to bethal hospital because he became to weak, they transfered him to steve biko so he can get care theire as he has a file and was supposed to get test results back today now they refuse to treat them because he was in bethal, they say he jump eMalahleni hospital and send him back noe he is missing. He still did not receive any trestment
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2017
Worst experience and my uncle went missing
My uncle went missing Good day team my uncle was supposed to be getting help at this hospital but since January 2026 he dont get results now he was admitted to bethal hospital because he became to weak, they transfered him to steve biko so he can get care theire as he has a file and was supposed to get test results back today now they refuse to treat them because he was in bethal, they say he jump eMalahleni hospital and send him back noe he is missing. He still did not receive any trestment
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2023
Extremely long waiting time for a emergency operation
Its been now 3 yrs later that i have been booked for a energency hernia operation, nr 150 in the que. I was going to get a phone call. NOTHING. Every day in pain. Send mail to complaints Steve Bhiko, Tshwane Department of Health, The Ombudsman, NOTHING. In the mean time the hernia is getting bigger. When all test was done 3 years back it was already 24cm.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2023
Extremely long waiting time for a emergency operation
Its been now 3 yrs later that i have been booked for a energency hernia operation, nr 150 in the que. I was going to get a phone call. NOTHING. Every day in pain. Send mail to complaints Steve Bhiko, Tshwane Department of Health, The Ombudsman, NOTHING. In the mean time the hernia is getting bigger. When all test was done 3 years back it was already 24cm.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2016
Unable to Reach Hospital for Weeks After Referral, Extremely Frustrating Experience
I am extremely disappointed with the level of service (or lack thereof) I have experienced while trying to contact Steve Biko Hospital over the past month. I was referred to the hospital by Tembisa Hospital for my daughter’s treatment, and I was clearly instructed to begin calling during the first week of March to arrange the next steps. The hospital strictly instructed that I should call before coming since the queues/ waiting list are long. Since then, I have made countless attempts to get through via phone, but the lines are consistently unanswered. Despite calling repeatedly over an extended period, I have not been able to reach anyone or receive any assistance. This ongoing lack of response has caused significant frustration and has directly delayed my ability to secure the medical care my daughter urgently needs. As a single, unemployed mother, navigating this process has already been extremely difficult, and the inability to get through to the hospital has made an already stressful situation even more challenging. I understand that hospitals are busy, but the complete lack of response over such a long period is deeply concerning, especially for patients who have been formally referred and are waiting for care. I sincerely hope this matter is addressed so that patients can receive timely communication and assistance when they need it most.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2016
Unable to Reach Hospital for Weeks After Referral, Extremely Frustrating Experience
I am extremely disappointed with the level of service (or lack thereof) I have experienced while trying to contact Steve Biko Hospital over the past month. I was referred to the hospital by Tembisa Hospital for my daughter’s treatment, and I was clearly instructed to begin calling during the first week of March to arrange the next steps. The hospital strictly instructed that I should call before coming since the queues/ waiting list are long. Since then, I have made countless attempts to get through via phone, but the lines are consistently unanswered. Despite calling repeatedly over an extended period, I have not been able to reach anyone or receive any assistance. This ongoing lack of response has caused significant frustration and has directly delayed my ability to secure the medical care my daughter urgently needs. As a single, unemployed mother, navigating this process has already been extremely difficult, and the inability to get through to the hospital has made an already stressful situation even more challenging. I understand that hospitals are busy, but the complete lack of response over such a long period is deeply concerning, especially for patients who have been formally referred and are waiting for care. I sincerely hope this matter is addressed so that patients can receive timely communication and assistance when they need it most.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2015
STEVE BIKO'S DETERIORATED SERVICE WHICH ENDANGERS LIVES!!
Good people, what happened to our beloved hospital? Everything has changed for the worse with foreign doctors everywhere who don't know what they are doing. One wonders if they are even qualified or they bought qualifications. How I wish that all doctors there should be vetted urgently because people are dying like flies.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2015
STEVE BIKO'S DETERIORATED SERVICE WHICH ENDANGERS LIVES!!
Good people, what happened to our beloved hospital? Everything has changed for the worse with foreign doctors everywhere who don't know what they are doing. One wonders if they are even qualified or they bought qualifications. How I wish that all doctors there should be vetted urgently because people are dying like flies.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2022
ICU LEVEL 8.7
Best nurse and staf and docker n ever had at 8.7 ICU. Security at level 3 and level 8 are nice and alwys friendly... They are looking so good after my 11jr old down syndrome son. Thanks for all the effort and help. Chrizelde vd merwe
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2022
ICU LEVEL 8.7
Best nurse and staf and docker n ever had at 8.7 ICU. Security at level 3 and level 8 are nice and alwys friendly... They are looking so good after my 11jr old down syndrome son. Thanks for all the effort and help. Chrizelde vd merwe
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2022
*****ulent Job Offer and Payment Demand
Good afternoon. I would like to report an individual named Edwin who claims to be employed at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Yesterday, I app**** for an Office Administration position that I found online. A few hours later, I received a call inviting me for an interview today. However, I was told that I needed to pay a fee to secure the job, which I did, paying R1,500. When I arrived at the hospital this morning, I was informed that no such position exists and that there is no employee by that name. I was also told that I am not the first person to come looking for him. My concern is that if the hospital is aware of this ongoing ****, why no action has been taken, especially since this individual is using the hospital’s name and information to de***** people. I am requesting that the Department of Health urgently investigate this matter.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2022
*****ulent Job Offer and Payment Demand
Good afternoon. I would like to report an individual named Edwin who claims to be employed at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Yesterday, I app**** for an Office Administration position that I found online. A few hours later, I received a call inviting me for an interview today. However, I was told that I needed to pay a fee to secure the job, which I did, paying R1,500. When I arrived at the hospital this morning, I was informed that no such position exists and that there is no employee by that name. I was also told that I am not the first person to come looking for him. My concern is that if the hospital is aware of this ongoing ****, why no action has been taken, especially since this individual is using the hospital’s name and information to de***** people. I am requesting that the Department of Health urgently investigate this matter.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2019
Unacceptable BP measuring practices
Has some really excellent medical staff. Food is great, beds are great... BUT SOME of the less educated Auxi****y Nurses have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA HOW TO. TAKE.. BLOOD PRESSURE. BECAUSE THE CUFF IS TOO SMALL THEY MEASURE ON MY WRIST AND FOREARM AND ANKLE... and get very Inaccurate readings. Even after my Dr and UM addressed them to bring the bigger cuff they continued with small cuff Now my reading with small cuff was 181/110 and I complained and so they fetched a bigger cuff and it measured 126/ 104... 104 at bottom is not normal but was because I was so angry and upset
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2019
Unacceptable BP measuring practices
Has some really excellent medical staff. Food is great, beds are great... BUT SOME of the less educated Auxi****y Nurses have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA HOW TO. TAKE.. BLOOD PRESSURE. BECAUSE THE CUFF IS TOO SMALL THEY MEASURE ON MY WRIST AND FOREARM AND ANKLE... and get very Inaccurate readings. Even after my Dr and UM addressed them to bring the bigger cuff they continued with small cuff Now my reading with small cuff was 181/110 and I complained and so they fetched a bigger cuff and it measured 126/ 104... 104 at bottom is not normal but was because I was so angry and upset