Victorious care: a personal testament to the staff at Victoria Hospital, Wynberg

HEALTH: A local woman's harrowing experience of knee surgery turns into a testament of gratitude for the dedicated staff at Victoria Hospital, Wynberg, challenging perceptions of government healthcare.

I would like to say a massive thank you to the staff at Victoria Hospital, Wynberg. On Thursday, 2 July 2026, I fell and shattered my kneecap.

The patella fracture was extremely painful, and I was taken to hospital by my husband and brother.

When it comes to our government hospitals, there's always a feeling of dread and panic for many of us, because of the waiting period alone, that alone makes us want to feel better before we even arrive. Unfortunately for me, I had no choice, given my injury.

However, I have surprisingly had the best care, drawing on experience from both private and government hospitals, from the emergency unit and having my pain managed as quickly as possible, right up to my six-week checkup post-surgery.

As Cape Townians, we always fear the waiting period, cleanliness and staff treatment at government hospitals. But I must say, well done to the staff at Victoria Hospital.

A huge thank you to all the admin staff at outpatients, the amazing orthopaedic clinic team, the physios, and the truly hardworking and caring porters, who showed up for me every time a wheelchair was needed and went the extra mile to make sure I was not in any pain. Even the waiting period was not bad!

Perhaps our fear of government hospitals can subside, and we can move ahead with trust, hoping all our hospitals and the departments within them can improve just as this one has.