Poor service at Alberton clinic frustrates residents

The Alberton North Clinic is facing growing criticism as the community voices their frustration over what they describe as poor service, long waiting times, and unprofessional staff attitudes.

Complaints have been pouring in at Alberton Record, with residents saying they often get turned away before 15:00 and treated as a burden rather than patients who need care.

Community complaints: Long waits, bad attitudes

According to residents, the issues at Alberton North Clinic range from rude staff – security guards, receptionists, and nurses – to excessive waiting times.

Some report waiting hours to be attended to, only to be told the clinic was full and the staff could see no more patients for the day.

“What frustrates me the most is they treat us like they are doing us a favour,” one resident shared.

“They forget they are working for the public.”

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “They are rude. You ask the staff something, and they act like they do not work there. That place is a joke.”

A frustrated wife shared how her 65-year-old husband, who relies on chronic medication, could not get his prescription.

“The clinic staff informed him they could not give him his medication because ‘he is going to sell it.’ Really? He is 65 years old! They are pathetic.”

Others expressed frustration over the clinic’s inconsistent service.

“Sometimes they refuse to take more patients before 15:00, and other times they claim to be short-staffed or have no electricity. Either way, people go home without receiving help.”

Alberton Record visits the clinic

To understand the situation first-hand, Alberton Record visited Alberton North Clinic on March 24 and the experience was disappointing.

Upon arriving at 12:30, a security officer met the journalists who told them, “The clinic is full, and management says they will assist no more people today.”

However, a quick look inside told a different story – the clinic was far from full.

Adding to the confusion, the main entrance was locked, and only the back gate was open.

This raised accessibility concerns and why the clinic would make it harder for residents to enter.

Management’s response: Aggression, not answers

Determined to address the complaints, the Record returned to the clinic on March 25, hoping to speak to management.

Again, the main gate was closed, and patients turned away – this time with the excuse that there was no electricity and they were short-staffed.

When the journalists finally met with the clinic manager, the response was shocking. Instead of addressing concerns, the manager reacted aggressively, dismissing our questions outright. “You do not know anything about being a nurse and I will not answer to you,” she told the reporters.

A long-standing issue

This is not the first time Alberton Record has reported on the ongoing issues at the Alberton North Clinic.
Over the years, the community repeatedly raised complaints about poor service, rude staff, and operational problems.

Despite the Record’s efforts to bring attention to the matter, it seems little has changed.

Residents are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of accountability and improvements, feeling their concerns are being ignored.

A growing concern for Alberton residents

The clinic staff’s attitude and handling of public service left many residents feeling helpless and unheard.

Some have suggested bringing the issue to local authorities or the Department of Health, while others feel there is little hope for change.

“We rely on this clinic for basic healthcare, but how they treat us is unacceptable,” said another frustrated patient.

Alberton Record seeks answers

On March 26, Alberton Record emailed the City of Ekurhuleni, enquiring about the complaints and seeking advice on the matter. We are still waiting for a response.

Alberton Record will continue to follow up on this issue.