I read and hear about problems that South Africans are experiencing in public hospitals.

I read and hear about problems that South Africans are experiencing in public hospitals.

Allow me to air my views.

On August 14 at about 11.30pm I was admitted to the Piet Rietief Hospital in Mpumalanga.

The service I received was excellent. It started with the security guards at the gate. On realising that I was in severe pain they were quick to allow me to proceed to reception without much trouble - not what I anticipated.

At the reception desk the man who was on duty did not hesitate to let me proceed to casualty, where I was diagnosed in no time.

The whole process of registration was done while I was being attended to by a dedicated doctor and nurses.

This was the first time I was admitted to a hospital and my experience differs from what I have been reading and hearing.

I was attended to by a young woman doctor and a male and female nurse. Their professionalism in handling patients was superb.

I noticed that the hospital was overcrowded and our sisters and brothers were working in very difficult conditions.

This should not deter them from caring for the people of South Africa.

I wish the health and social services department would recognise the sacrifice these people are making and make their working conditions much more tolerable.

Hendrik Noni, Pretoria