Concerns Regarding Recent Medical Experience

I would like to share my recent experiences with the healthcare services I have been receiving, which I believe warrant attention for improvement.

As a 36-year-old pregnant woman based in Kempton Park, I have been attending my antenatal clinic at Birchleigh Clinic, where I have consistently received exemplary service. In conversation with my sister and my doctor recently, I expressed my hope that the clinic could expand to include a maternity department, given the quality of care I have experienced.

Unfortunately, my pregnancy has been fraught with complications, starting with a threatened miscarriage at seven weeks. Due to the challenges I am facing, I have found it increasingly difficult to maintain my work commitments. Last week, I visited Birchleigh Clinic and was grateful for the attentive care provided by my doctor, who ultimately referred me to Tembisa Hospital for further evaluation and assistance.

On November 4, 2024, I attended the ANC Department at Tembisa Hospital, where I had an unfortunate encounter with Senior Doctor Moloto. I found his approach to be unhelpful and unprofessional. He did not review my referral letter, which would have provided crucial context for my situation. Despite my explanations of my health concerns, he dismissed my experiences as normal and raised alarming possibilities without offering constructive guidance or treatment options.

During my visit, I spoke with a student doctor about my dissatisfaction with the consultation. Although she attempted to address my concerns, her intervention was met with resistance from Dr. Moloto, who maintained an unprofessional demeanor. Eventually, the student doctor facilitated a more private conversation where I felt heard, but the overall experience left me feeling quite upset.

It is disheartening to perceive a lack of empathy and support, particularly in a healthcare setting where compassion is paramount. I felt that the standard of care I received may have been influenced by biases based on race, as there appeared to be a reluctance to engage with me as a patient. In moments like these, it is vital for medical professionals to approach each patient with respect and attentiveness, regardless of their background.

I wish to emphasize the importance of ensuring that medical professionals truly advocate for their patients and provide the necessary support during their care. Healthcare is fundamentally about people, and the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically is crucial.

I appreciate your consideration of my experience and hope it can contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of care provided at Tembisa Hospital and similar institutions.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely, Boitumelo Modimola