Mr Fanus van Wyk claims in an email to hospital management that he was robbed on 31 October 2023 after recovering in the orthopaedic surgery section.
“While under heavy pain medication, a robber entered the room and helped himself to my electronic equipment. The only thing I remember was him saying he was borrowing my cell phone, and left a fake car key and ran off,” stated Van Wyk.
According to Van Wyk, this was a well-planned crime; he believes the perpetrators knew the ins and outs of the room. He also lamented the open-door policy and lack of security at the hospital.
“The disturbing part is the opendoor policy – 08:00 to 20:00 visiting hours – no cameras or security checkpoints in the hospital, and anyone can walk in from the street to any part of the hospital (except neonatal).”
Van Wyk opened a case with the police, but it has since been closed. Another incident occurred in the parking lot in January this year when a patient, Marie Conradie-Steffens, was a victim of theft.
Mediclinic Southern Africa confirmed in a statement that they are aware of the complaints from the patients involved in these incidents.
“The hospital management investigated both incidents thoroughly, and we have communicated directly with those affected. Regarding Mr van Wyk’s complaint, we engaged directly with him from a hospital, senior regional management and Corporate Office management level in December 2023.”
Mediclinic emphasised the importance of patients taking responsibility for their belongings and securing any personal items in the lockers provided in the rooms or sending anything of value home with family members.
“Mediclinic provides security at the entrances to facilities but cannot closely manage all visitors across our flexible visiting hours at the hospital. Mediclinic remains open to engaging with our clients and addressing any practical efforts we can apply to assist them and improve their experience and safety within our hospitals,” stated Mediclinic Southern Africa in their statement.
