From one doctor to another: An open letter to Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba

Good morning Honourable MEC and hope that this finds you well.

I am writing this to you to express my appreciation about the heroes and heroines of our province that I respectfully request that we must celebrate at some point.

I have been admitted in Pietersburg hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 since 28 December 2020 and during this period I was able to assess the way in which our health professionals are managing our Covid-19 patients. I must say from the beginning I am totally impressed and proud to have been treated by them until today.

Firstly,my heroine is Dr Dombo who saved my life. If it was not because of her instinct and care and support I wouldn’t be here today.

Secondly my heroes are the EMS personnel under the capable leadership of Mr David Dennison, who himself has been hands on all the time.

A special dedication to Mr Robert Masubelele from the EMS Covid-19 response team. He works 24-hours a day and I don’t know where he gets the energy from. He is in the ward day and night, bringing patients. He is so humble and highly dedicated to patients, always encouraging and giving hope to patients that they will be well. He needs to be celebrated.

The nursing personnel in Ward Q and Ward S are a rare species this department has ever had. Despite all the daily challenges I have seen them going an extra mile to care for patients. Despite problems with PPE’s at times they always improvise and ensure that patient care is never compromised.

Bravo to our nurses in Ward W and Ward S for the excellent work that they are putting everyday to ensure that we get well. I humbly request that they be celebrated as well.

Dr Mangena is a very rare species of doctors that I can’t describe. He raised me from the death bed. Very composed, extremely professional and a messiah to all his patients. He sees all of us everyday. Even after his doctors have done the ward rounds he always finds time to come and check all of us himself EVERY DAY. He looks for results himself, write notes and discharges summaries himself, and he always has time to sit down and have a discussion with us about our health issues. He comes to the wards everyday, including weekends and I honestly don’t know how he finds time for all of us. Exceptional physician and nephrologist.

The other day I was called by Prof Nemutandani, our President of the HPCSA since were are together in the new HPCSA Board. He was struggling to find a bed for one of the professors in the province. I gave him Dr Mangena’s contact. In a few minutes time he called me to say that Dr Mangena wants to see the patient in hospital ASAP. In two days time Prof Nemutandani called me to ask who Dr Mangena was, after he treated them with utmost professionalism and giving him constant feedback about the patient. He was so impressed with the care that Dr Mangena gave to the patient and vowed to personally come and meet him. He wants Dr Mangena celebrated as one of the heroes by the medical profession.

Indeed this province has a rare gem in Dr Mangena. Today is Sunday, I know that by 11:00 he shall have come to see us and make sure that we recover.

He is my special hero and his work, dedication and commitment needs to be recognized and celebrated.

Bravo to Dr Mangena. I remember exactly the day we went to recruit him from UCT on the 22 August 2012. I will forever cherish that day.

Thank you for looking after our staff and healthcare professionals despite all the difficulties. The department just needs to continue supporting them in whatever way we can. They are doing a fantastic and commendable job.

Thank you

Dr Thabo Pinkoane