The patient experience at South Rand District Hospital was put under the spotlight during the annual Patient Experience of Care (PEC) survey, which began on August 24.

The week-long survey aims to gather feedback from patients about their experiences and the quality of care they receive at the hospital. The findings will help identify areas that require improvement and those that need maintenance.

Under the theme ‘Your Voice Matters’, patients can share their views on the services they receive.
Hospital CEO Simphiwe Gada welcomed Nelisiwe Mathebula and Thobile Lande from the provincial head office, who visited the hospital to provide support during the survey.

Gada thanked staff across all departments for their continued dedication and resilience.

“I want to thank everyone, from our cleaners, nurses and clerks to all categories of staff. You have shown your resilience. The hard work you put in every day does not go unnoticed. We are here because of you,” said Gada.

He said the survey provides an opportunity for the hospital to measure its services through the voices of the people it serves.

“When we talk about the experience of our patients, it begins at the gate with our security officers and continues through every stage of their journey. Even when patients are admitted to the wards, we look at how we treat them, from the environment and food to the care they receive until they are discharged,” he said.

Gada acknowledged that the hospital did not meet its PEC target in the 2024/25 financial year, but said the results provided valuable insight into areas that needed attention.

“It was not a bad thing because it meant our people were telling us what we needed to do. However, to show that we are committed, we met our target in the 2025/26 financial year. I appreciate the hard work you put in,” he said.

He added that the latest survey would help the hospital identify areas that still require improvement.
Lande echoed Gada’s sentiments, saying the patient experience starts at the security entrance and extends throughout the patient’s journey.

“The provincial office wishes to express its sincere support and appreciation to the management and the entire staff of South Rand Hospital. You must continue with your commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the community you serve,” said Lande.

He praised staff for their dedication, resilience and professionalism despite the many challenges facing the healthcare sector.

“Your efforts play a vital role in improving health outcomes and ensuring patients receive compassionate, safe and equitable care,” he said.

As part of the initiative, staff took the PEC Champion Pledge, committing themselves to listening, learning, responding and continuously improving the patient experience.

Among the values highlighted in the pledge were respect, compassion, dignity, safety, kindness, excellence, listening, accountability, teamwork and responsiveness.

“These are more than words. They are our commitment to every patient who walks through the doors of South Rand Hospital,” staff said.