I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the hospital and staff of simply outstanding care, treatment, staff professionalism and extraordinary doctors and patient care. Special mention must be made to a truly extraordinary ICU team and staff who are exemplary and work efficiently with care, professionalism and real concern.

I was admitted into casualty on Sunday 16 October with a broken scapula, ribs and clavicle in some big pain. My first experience at the hospital was from Zondi in casualty who treated me with utmost care, made me as comfortable as possible and ensured I was taken care of. He was simply amazing in his attitude, empathy, gentle wisdom and ability to treat me as a casualty patient. Then Dr Ackerman followed with incredible patience and professionalism and ensured I had CT scans and was attended to as quickly and efficiently as possible. Casualty was a 10/10 experience.

I was transferred to ICU where I spent 3 nights due to contusion of the lungs from the rib damage under the care of Dr Pillay (cardio thoracic) and Dr Reddy (Orthopaedics). Both doctors arrived in good time, had fantastic bedside manner with explanations, suggestions and treatment and I felt completely confident in their care and ongoing recommendations throughout my stay at the hospital. Highly recommended not only for their knowledge, expertise and treatment, but also for their humanity and ability to communicate.

The nursing staff in ICU took my breath away. I would never have believed it possible to receive this level of service, care and treatment by nurses anywhere. From Thandeka, Logan, Noku, Zandile and the VERY special mention to Nobuhle who were attentive, caring, professional, quick, and I wish I could compliment them enough, there are no words! I was almost sad to leave! Special mention to Dr Jon Marc Tomlinson, Dr Skinner and the ICU ward doctors who all gave me complete confidence in the process while still remaining special humans in their ability to communicate, engage and discuss the situation with empathy, care and humour. Plus the Physio’s Nathan and Poppie worked their magic with diligence, a smile, humour and fabulous knowledge leaving me excited about the road to recovery.

This ICU experience at Busamed Hillcrest was truly something that made me believe our health care system in South Africa is in GREAT hands with outstanding people.

I was then transferred to Surgical Ward 1 for 2 nights, and again was surprisingly blessed with incredible nurses and Physio’s while under the care of the same attentive, on time doctors Pillay and Reddy, and made the stay simply a 5 star experience in every aspect. Deen (who works with Dr Pillay) ensured I had every bit of information I needed and wanted, and went above and beyond to ensure I was up to date and kept informed.

Words could not every truly explain the way I feel about a very painful traumatic experience…. Made not only bearable, but actually amazing…. By a team, nurses, doctors and staff at the hospital who treated me with dignity, respect, care… and ensured my experience at this hospital was one I will remember with positive memories forever.

Special mentions: too many to mention, although I wish I could. So many extraordinary people involved in this process that I would like to thank and compliment.

Huge gratitude to everyone at Busamed Hillcrest Hospital.

I have a debt of gratitude

Brett Yeatman