On Monday, October 3, 2016, I slipped and fell, breaking my ankle and causing my bone to tear through my flesh. We called the ambulance and the paramedics were very helpful and professional. We told them that we don’t have a medical aid and they advised me that they would take me to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, as we live in Alberton.
I was afraid because I have heard a lot of bad things about state hospitals. We arrived at about 13:00 and my husband helped with the paper work while I lay waiting in casualty.
I was admitted to an orthopaedic ward for women at about 21:00. I feared for my life and did not want my family to leave me.
The next day, a Dr Ngoni came to see me and scheduled an emergency operation for the following day. They had to put two plates and about 12 screws into my ankle. The doctor told me that my ankle did not look good and they were considering amputating my foot.
I started praying and I thank God that Dr Ngoni pushed through with treatment. After ten weeks in hospital I was discharged a day after my skin graph. I am very thankful for Dr Ngoni.
I have experienced the total opposite to what I have heard and read about state hospitals. The staff treated me with respect and were very helpful in doing their work professionally. The doctors explained every procedure and detail to me, as did the nursing staff. Every section I went to for treatment was clean and neat.
The cleaning and security staff are exceptional in doing their jobs. I would like to thank Dr Ngoni, Dr Toni, Dr Kakelea and Dr N Moyakhe.
And thank you also to the sisters and nursing staff – Marie Tshabalala, Veliswa Mkhwananzi, Lineo Dhludhlu, Seren Greef, Om-Lucia Shibury, Hope Tshabalala, Mamsie Ndlovu, Jubilile Nkosi, Angel Zwane, S Ramufematzi, Sister A Ncala, Rita Zulu, Anna Madisha, M Khanyile, N Mdluli, and Petrus, the male nurse.
Thank you all for the exceptional work you are doing.
Anna Pretorius
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