Matshepo Molala writes:
One of the central principles and constitutional right is free healthcare for all South Africans irrespective of socio-economic status.
The government has worked hard to establish a system that provides quality healthcare for all and for that we must be grateful, especially when we experience good quality healthcare at a public hospital.
One is reminded of how lucky we are in South Africa to have free public healthcare.
Not to paint a rosy picture, public hospitals have been known as places of horror and shock, where individuals have experienced the worst treatment from people who have pledged to care and look after people in their times of need and sickness.
However, this is no longer the case for one hospital in the East Rand.
The transformation of what was commonly known as “Nyolosong” to its rightful name “Pholosong” leaves one with a sense of awe at what is possible when there is good leadership and staff that serve the public with pride and dignity.
Their befitting slogan being “I serve with a smile” radiates through the corridors and wards.
Our journey started with a call to the Gauteng ambulance services, a call that was handled professionally with the urgency that was required.
An ambulance was dispatched and arrived in a timely manner to take my mother to the nearest public hospital, which happened to be Pholosong Hospital.
Mum was triaged, then admitted, no fuss and no messing around. Doctors swung into action and she was stabilised and sent to the ward within a short period.
I cannot thank the medical and auxiliary staff for the quality of care and engagement. Her stay has been great with the staff providing great care.
Our experience of Pholosong Hospital has been amazing, really impressive, a great demonstration of Batho Pele principles in action and
patient centred care.
On attending the hospital for clothing change over and basic necessities, the staff have been welcoming and responsive.
The doctors have kept us informed and remain available to field questions and concerns about my mother as needed.
Staff are friendly and polite which is simply fantastic and reassuring.
Overall the hospital is clean and well kept, staff are engaged, asking if family attending have been served.
There is a general sense that staff know they are there to serve the citizens and are engaging with the public in a polite and respectful manner along corridors.
As someone with a loved one in the care of staff, it is reassuring to see that general demonstration of care and quality public service.
Under the current leadership Pholosong Hospital is indeed living up to its name, a place where one can expect to get saved through free public healthcare.
I wish to pass on my family’s deepest gratitude and thanks for this experience and wish that this experience is shared by many more residents of the Kwatsaduza community and South Africa.
We should count ourselves very fortunate to have free public healthcare (think of the United States of America).
To the Pholosong Hospital leadership I say staff onwards and upwards!
Continue to serve with a smile and putting the community first.
Follow us on: 
