Busamed Harrismith - Worst medical "care" experience ever

I had to visit a medical facility or GP on Friday 27 December for a simple medical procedure. We were on holiday at ATKV Drakensville and my one ear became blocked with ear wax.

I opted to go to Busamed Private Hospital in Harrismith, but it was a big mistake.

On face value everything seemed fine. I was booked in by a trainee who took forever and did not know what he was doing, every step of the way he had to ask advice from another lady. After what seemed like forever I was escorted to the ER. The staff there was friendly and helpful, calling the doctor to come and assist me.

After another long wait the "Dr" appeared. He was wearing a mask and I could not hear what he was saying. He did not introduce himself, nor what he was going to do.

This is not the first time I had this procedure done and knew what to expect. When he opened a new needle and filled a syringe with cold saline solution, I immediately started to question in my mind what was going on, but I was desperate to get the problem resolved and "go back to holiday". He had me lying on my side while he was poking my ear with the fresh, sharp needle, squirting cold water into my ear to remove the blockage. I have not felt pain like that in a long time, the needle cut into my ear every time. After some wax came out, with the wax and water mix running over my face and into my mouth and eyes (I usually sit while this is done), he asked me to turn over for the other side. To my surprise, when he was done, there was blood on the pillow. This was a first and I tried not to freak out.

He then said he's done even though my ear was still blocked and that I need to visit an audiologist to remove the wax as they can see what they are doing.

I paid an exorbitant amount and left extremely disappointed and worried about my bleeding ear.

On my return to JHB (the Monday after) I visited my GP. It took him 5s to clean each ear, while I was sitting upright, as usual, without any pain. It was also less than a third of the price Busamed charged me.

It was the worst medical "care" experience I ever had. I seriously doubt the Dr's qualification and experience.