Excellence despite squalor at hospital

A sudden heart attack on Friday gave me a first-hand experience of the quality of service and commitment by the staff at the Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital.

All I can say is that I am overwhelmed.

The staff are caring and dedicated, pay attention to detail and many sing while they work, despite the lack of many first-world facilities vaunted by private hospitals.

Even though the building is old and in need of a facelift, the spirit here is heartwarming.

I see people who just want to help, and who instead of expressing impatience when they have to watch the one working elevator go up and down past them, because a patient needs to get to the theatre, smile graciously and wait.

It saddens me that this state facility is run by seemingly incompetent people, who despite the public outcry at their heavy-handed tactics (forcing staff to sign warnings for putting patients' needs first) and apparently having been allocated funds to rectify the untenable situation regarding lifts, keep failing the staff, the patients and the very profession they are meant to represent.

I am quite convinced that these leadership positions should be held by people who have a true passion for the healing vocation.

If it were in my power to properly vet the best candidates, I have no doubt they would be found among the hardworking, dedicated people who actually show how much they care by the way they honour the Hippocratic oath.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff who made my stay at their hospital memorable and successful.

I wish I could do more to improve your productivity and job satisfaction.

Ken Everett

Fairview, Port Elizabeth