Mother voices concern over bad service at Phola Park Clinic

On November 29, 2020, a frustrated mother was left stranded by the staff at Phola Park Clinic after taking her 18-month-old son there at 6pm.

Fikile Kantwela took her son, Linda Kantwela, to the clinic when she realised that he was struggling to breathe. On her arrival, she was turned away by the security guards who said they were only taking in emergency patients.

Fikile said she had to wait 30 minutes at the gate with her ill child before forcing her way into the clinic.

“I tried explaining to the nurses that my child was unwell and they said I would have to wait until they finished assisting other patients as they worked with emergency cases only. While I was queuing, they skipped me to assist other patients who came in after me, but I patiently waited because I needed help,” she continued.

“When they finished assisting other patients, they left me there sitting without even coming to check the condition of the child. Instead of calling me in, they stood up and left while complaining about security guards letting people in, adding that their shift was over,” said Fikile.

Fikile was left with no choice but to seek help elsewhere with little funds for transport.

“When I went to the clinic my hope was that the nurses would call the ambulance and refer me to a hospital. I had to walk back home and call the ambulance which took long to come, but eventually it arrived,’’ she added.

Fikile said her child were admitted in high care at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital because of his condition as he was breathing heavily.

“The doctors reprimanded me as my child’s case was an urgent one but I explained that I was chased out at Phola Park Clinic.

“I am very hurt by what happened at the clinic because it showed that they do not care about residents. Where should we go for medical help if local clinics don’t operate 24 hours?” asked Fikile.

Kathorus MAIL contacted the Department of Health telephonically and via email, but it was not available for comment.