A big thank you, South Rand Hospital

I am a patient at South Rand Hospital. When I arrived at the hospital, my condition was so bad I lost hope since I couldn’t even bathe myself, and all I knew was groaning in pain.

The doctors at the outpatient department treatment attended to me for the first and the second time. One of them told me he was suspecting arthritis.

My question was if the doctor was not sure of the illness, what medication was he going to give me? Secondly, why was it not important for him to send me for an X-ray or other means of machinery?

I continued with the treatment for arthritis until I developed a severe dry cough. This was when I decided to ask for a referral letter to the department of physiotherapists because my situation was getting worse by the day.

It was difficult because I had to answer some annoying questions even though I explained the cause of the illness. Because I resisted, they then wrote the letter, which I submitted to the physio department.

For the first time in the government department, I met very caring people. The young woman I met on the second floor gave me an appointment date and explained to me everything.

I then received what I did not expect on the day, which was being well listened to, well attended and the illness well-investigated without being guessed and during the consultation, important lessons were given to me. I went back home with my hand and arm moving.

For the second appointment, she was not there but another young woman, Miss Mnguni, and her co-worker attended to me. I was treated with respect, friendliness and teaching during the consultation.

The illness was well-investigated until she discovered it was carpal tunnel syndrome and further taught me what it was. She treated me with courtesy and took me to occupational therapy. She also never guessed but she spent her time investigating the illness.

She booked me with an occupational therapist, Miss Jenna. During my appointment with her, she also investigated the illness.

If she’s not sure of something concerning your problem, she goes to her colleagues for their views so her patients can get help. To me, those are the signs of humbleness, dedication to her work and commitment to life-saving. You feel this is a person who does not deserve to be out of work in all these departments.

They really don’t deserve to be out of work no matter what the circumstances may be. It is very rare to find people like these, as well as the woman who helps them keep their offices clean and the woman who keeps opening the door of the fifth floor to the occupational therapy department.

Then I met Nicky Sibuyi, the boss. A man who’s down to earth but does wonders. All his staff members are well trained.

The reason I contacted the Southern Courier is that I want to thank them for their commitment, the important role they play in our health, and to appreciate them and the teachings they give to us during the consultation, for their teamwork, patience, the dedication and their respect and love.

I don’t think there is any employer who would ever want to lose these kinds of employees. I thank Southern Courier for helping me voice my sincere appreciation to these departments. It is a pity that their contracts ended on March 31.

Monica Nokwabuza