On October 3 I slipped and fell, breaking my ankle so badly that the bone stuck through my flesh. We phoned the ambulance and the paramedics were very helpful and professional. When we advised them that we don’t have a medical aid, they suggested that they take me to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, as we stay in Alberton and we fall under their district.
I was afraid because you hear a lot of bad things about state hospitals. We arrived at the hospital at about 13:00. My husband helped with the paperwork while I was lying in casualties waiting to be attended to. After an eventful afternoon, I was admitted to a ward at about 21:00. I was admitted to ward seven, the orthopaedics section for women. I was in pain and was scared to be in the hospital. I didn’t want my family to leave me there and I was afraid that I was going to die.
The next day Dr Ngoni came to see me and scheduled an emergency operation for the next day (Wednesday). They had to put in two plates and about 12 screws in my ankle. The doctor told me that my ankle didn’t look good and they were considering amputating my foot. I started praying, and thank God, Dr Ngoni pushed through with treatment.
After 10 weeks in hospital I was discharged a day after my skin graft. I am very grateful to Dr Ngoni. The staff at ward seven are amazing. I experienced the total opposite of what I had heard and read about state hospitals. The staff treated me with respect and were very helpful and professional.
The doctors explained every procedure in detail to me and so did the nursing staff. Every section or department that I had to go to for treatment was very clean and neat, and the service was professional and the staff knew what they were doing.
The cleaning staff and security staff were exceptional too. And thanks to the security who kept us safe, from outside in the parking area to inside the hospital.
I would like to thank the following doctors: Dr Ngoni, Dr Toni, Dr Kakelea and Dr N. Moyakhe. And thank you to all the nursing staff: Marie Tshabalala, Veliswa Mkhwananzi, Lineo Dhludhlu, Seren Greef, Om-Lucia Shibury, Hope Tshabalala, Mamsie Ndlovu, Jubilile Nkosi, Angel Zwane, S. Ramufematzi, Sr A Ncala, Rita Zulu, Anna Madisha, M. Khanyile, N. Mdluli, and Petrus the male nurse.
Thank you all for the exceptional work you do. I can recommend Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital to anybody in need of medical attention.
Anna Pretorius
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