Avoid Augustine’s Medical Centre Phoenix – Rude, Aggressive, and Unprofessional Staff

Review for Augustine’s Medical Centre (Dr Stanton Augustine, 4 Hassim Centre, Stoneham Avenue, Whetstone, Phoenix, Durban, 4068)

On the 2nd of September 2025, I took my niece to this surgery after she was involved in an accident the previous day and suffered whiplash. She was in severe pain, and we expected proper treatment and professionalism. What we experienced was shocking and completely unacceptable.

When we arrived, the receptionist bluntly told us they were closed and to come back at 4pm. I greeted her politely, but she showed no courtesy in return. I explained that my niece was in pain and asked if an exception could be made since we were unaware of the operating times. She then said the doctor had an “emergency.”

At this point, my niece said to me we should just book for 4pm to avoid waitng or been turned away. For no reason, the receptionist became frustrated, started screaming at us, and behaved in a very unprofessional and aggressive manner. I had to ask her to calm down and speak politely. Instead, she threatened to call a “guard” to kick us out and told us NOT to come back. She also claimed everything was recorded on camera—which we were happy about, as it would clearly show her unacceptable behaviour.

Her behaviour escalated further when she stood up aggressively as if she wanted to hit us. Another lady from the dispensary came out, but instead of helping, she also shouted at me when I said patients deserve respect and professionalism and they need to uphold a certain standards for the surgery. Her dismissive words were, “who are they?”—completely shocking and unprofessional.

We later spoke to Dr Govender, who clarified that it was not his practice and he could not reprimand the receptionist, but said he would inform Dr Stanton Augustine. I asked him to ensure Dr Augustine reviewed the cameras, as the receptionist herself mentioned.

After we left the surgery, my niece was emotionally distressed by what had happened. People working in the nearby shops came up to us and confirmed that the receptionist is always rude, aggressive, and unprofessional, and that many patients have complained before and she is a drug user. They also informed us that there are no cameras inside the surgery, despite the receptionist’s claims.To make matters worse, Dr Govender later admitted he had no emergency to attend to, despite that being the excuse we were given by the receptionist. He apologized for the incident.

Later, the receptionist walked past us after visiting the cannabis shop nearby. She returned smelling strongly of ****, and intoxicated, and told us she had spoken to Dr Augustine, who “viewed the cameras” and knew what happened. She admitted she was “going through stuff,” acknowledged she had been rude, and apologized. This behaviour is beyond unacceptable in a medical environment, where patients are vulnerable, in pain, and deserve compassion and professionalism.

Dr Stanton Augustine—there are already multiple reviews highlighting the receptionist’s poor behaviour. If you continue to ignore this, it shows you are fully aware but turning a blind eye because the practice is cheap and profitable. Patients deserve respect, professionalism, and proper care—not aggression, ************, lies, or staff who are intoxicated on duty.

For the record, there were no guards (only car guards outside), and no cameras inside the surgery as claimed.

After this disgraceful experience, I immediately took my niece to another doctor, Dr A.K.S.M. Karim, where we received excellent treatment and professional care. I highly recommend Dr Karim to anyone seeking proper medical attention.

This visit to Augustine’s Medical Centre was disgraceful, unprofessional, and traumatic for my niece. I strongly advise others to pay a little more and get the right care elsewhere, where you will not be disrespected or treated this way.

IT DOESN'T EVEN DESERVE A ONE STAR.