Unprofessional Doctor and ill treatment of a patient

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the unprofessional and concerning treatment I received from one of your doctors during my recent admission at your facility, on the 16/03/2026-19/03/2026.

I was admitted on Tuesday evening and was first seen by the attending doctor only on Wednesday at approximately 17:00. During this consultation, the doctor (Dr. Ratau-Dintwe Mmabatho) did not review my referral letter, did not physically examine my abdomen despite my complaints, and did not assess the scans that had already been conducted at casualty. Instead, she began the process anew by taking a urine sample and left without providing any clear feedback or plan of care. Even though I explained verbally what was happening with me she did what suited her at the time.

On the following day, the doctor briefly asked how I was feeling. Due to my growing frustration with the lack of care, I responded that I was feeling better. She then stated that she would not discharge me, suggesting that I might have sinusitis, without conducting a thorough assessment to support this conclusion and I found this to be disturbing as I did not got to the hospital for sinus infection but a severe stomach discomfort.

Later, when my aunt and sister requested to speak with her, her attitude became dismissive and rude. She questioned my age and made an inappropriate remark asking why I needed my “aunt” to speak on my behalf. It was only at this stage that she reviewed my scans, stating that she saw no abnormalities, yet vaguely mentioned an issue without providing a clear explanation. Only because we insisted and gave her the scans that were at her reach.

When my aunt asked what condition I was being treated for, the doctor responded that it was a “non-specific infection,” which did not provide any meaningful clarity. Additionally, she made an unprofessional comment stating, “I am a doctor, I do not throw bones,” which we found inappropriate and disrespectful.

I then requested to be discharged. The doctor displayed clear passive aggression during the discharge process and failed to provide adequate medical guidance. Despite my referral letter indicating that I was lethargic, I was instructed to return to work the following day without proper consideration of my condition.

This experience left me feeling dismissed, disrespected, and concerned about the quality of care I received. I believe that patients deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism at all times.

I kindly request that this matter be formally investigated and that appropriate steps be taken to address the conduct of the doctor involved. I would also appreciate feedback regarding the outcome of this complaint.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

Yours faithfully, Ndzivalelo Chabalala 074 261 1274