Paul Thomson

To whom it may concern Recently I have been admitted three times to your hospital, two were routine and scheduled while the 3rd was an emergency admission. I realise how difficult it is to maintain efficient and friendly service levels during this COVID-19 crisis. I was initially admitted at 6 am on 16 June 2020, the reception staff, while under pressure to process all the patients performed well and were very courteous. I proceeded to the urodynamic services and I must commend the nurse who performed the tests, she made what could have been a highly embarrassing procedure, very comfortable for me as a patient. Unfortunately I did not get her name. After the tests and scan I was admitted into the day ward, here the staff was exceptional and helped calm the nerves. A person worth mentioning was Constance(?) she transported me to the theatre and back and was very well natured. I do not think that she was actually part of the nursing staff but rather a porter or equivalent position. Unfortunately due to complications I had to stay overnight and was transferred to ward G, here the staff was also of a high standard. A young nurse on night duty also made a strong impression I cannot remember her name , my apologies for that, but at a best guess her first name was Mamabolo. Unfortunately on Saturday night 18 July, I developed complications and needed an emergency admission, fortunately the communication between my surgeon and the matron was perfect and even under the urgent conditions I was treated extremely well and could finalise the admission once the emergency had abated, kudos to your reception staff on facilitating the admission. I had previously observed that your staff always explained what they were doing or going to do before they did it almost deferring to the patient. The sister treating my urgent case realised the urgency in my case and just got stuck in and relieved the symptoms. A quick, no nonsense efficient procedure, absolutely brilliant. After the procedure she then became the efficient friendly sister that I have found at your hospital. Later the matron looked in during the night to see how I was doing, I really appreciated that. I remained in the ward G1 until Thursday afternoon, again the care from the staff was exceptional, Makani and Gift are worth mentioning specifically. The night nursing aid Ms Lindy Peterse also lifted the spirits every evening. I spent my birthday in the ward and all the ward staff and the catering staff made my day special, that was really appreciated. The catering staff were also great as were the meals, especially when one understands the complexities of preparing and distributing specific meals at specific times to specific places. My third and last visit was smooth and uneventful and characterised by the same levels of service and competence. I know that I have forgotten some very dear carers in your employ and I apologize to them, for forgetting, but I was not always myself during my stay. Please convey my thanks to all that interacted with me during my stay.