I WOULD like to share this thank you note with everyone who has spent time at the TC Newman Hospital.
Statistics show that losing a spouse causes tremendous trauma in one’s life, and for me it was confirmed with two heart attacks within nine months of such event. The hospitals here in Paarl were unbelievable.
However, this thank you is specifically for the TC Newman Hospital where I had to undergo a Stress ECG. I reported at the facility at 06:30 where the waiting rooms were packed with people requiring attention. There were files all over, chaos came to mind, and knew I would not leave this facility until that evening.
At 06:55 a well-groomed, young sister entered, she perused all the patient cards and categorised them, then addressed all the waiting hordes explaining the system to be followed and asked everyone’s co-operation. She was well-spoken, articulate, and her demeanour perfect.
At 07:05 my name was called, and at the cardiac department a male nurse took my vital statistics and before long hooked up to an ECG machine.
Before long a lady doctor entered, profusely apologising for being 20 minutes late – she had been in casualty all night.
Although I was put through my paces to the nth degree, she constantly showed regard for me, and her concern at my distress levels going through this exercise.
At a point where I am sure I could smell rubber burning, I was allowed to recover.
She then proceeded to discuss with me, always listening to my input too, what treatment and lifestyle combination would be of benefit to me.
Not being too happy with the tests, she consulted with her superior, and it was decided – with my permission, of course – that I go to Tygerberg Hospital for another test, just to make 100% sure.
With so many reports around which criticise our Health Department, I need to thank one and all for my enlightening experiences at T.C.N. I know that some private facilities could learn from the staff there.
At 10:30 I was clear to leave, my medication explained by the pharmacist, an envelope with consultation date and time, including a written explanation of the whole procedure to be done at Tygerberg Hospital.
I was not asked to produce one cent, unlike some other facilities which do not touch you until they see the colour of your money.
In the four hours I spent there, I never saw one staff member with a cup of coffee in their hand, standing around idly. The whole team knew what to do, so thank you all.
Michael O’Shea, Paarl
