Editor
Through the medium of your newspaper I would like to bring to attention to the public about the state of our health system. I was totally shocked with my recent experiences.In March 2014 I had an amputation at the Estcourt Provincial Hospital. All went well at that time.

Over the next two months I had extreme pain in my leg. After much persuasion I got them to refer me to Greys Hospital to see a vascular specialist. I have been called back to Greys about nine times. Remember I was sent there for my leg. Tests were done on almost every other part of my body, blood samples were taken a number of times, but when I go back they say “we are sorry but your results can’t be found on our records”. Tests got repeated and I was given a date to come back.

On my appointment date I get told: “sorry but the haematologist is on leave and resigned, so a replacement will start in February”. In the mean time my condition was getting worse. After being unable to bear the pain and wait I consulted a private doctor who gladly went out of his way to assist. What followed next was even more shocking. Seeing that I needed to be hospitalised he referred me to the Ladysmith Provincial Hospital.

I got there at 3:30pm and the nurses at the casualty ask: “where were you the whole day and why did you only come here at this time of the day?” In any case I was desperate so after explaining that I was at the doctors surgery, they very rudely said “just take a seat and we will attend to you when we done”. Three-and-a-half hours later I still got no help and decided to come back to Estcourt and try and get help from the local hospital. I sat at casualty for half the night without been attended to and left as I was getting more ill and tired.

I then decided to contact a private specialist in Ladysmith who diagnosed and located blood clots in my leg within five minutes. My question and confusion is, I made so many visits to Greys and saw a number of so-called specialists who have access to all diagnostic equipment but couldn’t locate the clot, which can be fatal if it reaches the lung or heart. I could have been saved a lot of pain and suffering had they diagnosed me correctly.
It makes me think that there are many doctors who just go to work to get paid while you get a handful that are dedicated.

The health system really needs a shake up and the Department of Health really needs to play a more active role in the manner that their facilities are run. Many lives can be saved by the staff of these facilities if they work more efficiently and with more dedication.

Very Unhappy and Concerned Citizen