Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre’s range of medical and surgical specialities is the first thing that caught our attention. Patients we chatted with, for instance, went here for cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopaedics, and neurosurgery treatments.

It’s their ICU staff and care that were positively described the most. Interviewees mentioned the clean, well-run environment, emotional support, and expertise in critical treatments, particularly post-surgery care and liver transplants.

Unfortunately, some complained about the security guards and receptionists being not-so-friendly. That’s bad, since the last thing you want in a hospital is extra stress.

Teammates familiar with the centre also noted that the parking lot can get too tight.

If food quality matters to you, though, you’ll be glad to know Wits’ catering impressed many patients. The chef can even prepare meals outside the standard menu!

Bonuses like the speedy Wi-Fi and in-house cafe are worth mentioning as well.

Exceptionally Professional

Exceptional care and communication from all the staff members, really appreciate the doctors going the extra mile to keep my husband in the loop throughout my procedure. The nursing staff are exceptionally professional, lovely, and helpful no matter the time of day or what you need help with.

Michelle Oliver, Google Review

Excellent Service

From the moment I arrived I was treated with excellence From admission who helped me. From the porters ,to the whole nursing staff . In the ward I received excellent treatment. Polite, Helpful ,Caring. A credit to DGH All tests were performed by sympathetic ,friendly people. If you had not sent this survey I intended to contact you to complement on your excellent service Thank you, Rosemary Mason

Rosemary Mason, Google Review

The ISO-accredited (9001 and 45001) Advanced East Rand Day Hospital is a reliable bet for short-procedure surgical services. In fact, their medical team often performs surgeries that don’t require overnight stays.

Speaking of surgeries, they can handle a lot. Think plastic, ENT, oral, orthopaedic, urological, dermatological, gynaecological, ophthalmological, and even general procedures.

Patients have spoken highly of the hospital’s personnel, too. From what we’ve gathered, almost every staff member is cordial and efficient.

That said, it’s roughly a 35-minute car drive to reach the centre, making it this list’s farthest one from Downtown Johannesburg.

It doesn’t operate 24/7 either, unlike most alternatives. Worse, we came across former patients who waited hours for Advanced to open.

On the upside, overbooking isn’t a common problem. Having three theatres and 30 beds has a lot to do with that.

There’s also plenty of room in the parking lot.

Amazing Experience

Exceptional Service From The security guard at the boom gate making me laugh at 6am right until coming out of Theatre with no pain. This hospital has went more than beyond in providing excellence, smiles and more importantly efficiency in everything they do.

An amazing experience and a heartfelt Thank you to all the staff , nurses and doctors for being the medical professionals that Humanity needs🧁 Keep Up The Excellence…

ozayr omar, Google Review

Made My Little Daughter Feel So Comfortable

I cannot fault this amazing medical center! What an amazing experience from security to the admin staff, cleaning staff, nurses, and all doctors who assisted us today. They made my little daughter feel so comfortable and safe, even when she was so afraid and nervous for her medical procedure. Keep up the amazing service. Your warmth and kindness is much, much appreciated 👏

Candice Padiachy, Google Review

Maternity and birthing care are two areas where Netcare Park Lane Hospital excels. If you need proof, its Parklane Radiology unit is accredited as a Breast Imaging Centre of Excellence, the first and only one in Africa!

Facility-wise, there are deluxe rooms and private suites that are bigger and more personalised than public accommodations. Another major perk is your partner being allowed to stay, which can ease tension a bit.

Waiting for an obstetrician or gynaecologist won’t likely be a concern either. The Parktown centre has 30 of them.

Their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is also highly regarded, both in terms of amenities and staff. The section has 35 beds with tech for supporting vulnerable babies, as well as paediatricians and neonatologists who are always on-site.

Some patients just wish the staff could be friendlier and more attentive, noting issues with nurses’ attitudes and response times.

Super Clean

I had my babygirl at this hospital in October 2024. Honestly the best hospital iv been to.. From the staff to doctors to facilities everything was perfect. Was the most comfortable stay during those stressful times. The staff were reassuring calm caring.. They checked on me often. As a first time mom they made the experience beautiful and stress free. Its super clean also. Well the room I stayed in was lovely I stayed at both maternity wards.. The private suites upstairs and the general ward downstairs.. All were in good condition and well taken care of.. Thank you for the excellent service. Especially to my gynecologist Dr A Patel ❤️

Shufeeqa Saidally, Google Review

Everyone Made My Stay Pleasant

I gave birth at Parklane on the 23rd August and had the best experience. Firstly BIG Thank you to the best Gyne in the world Dr Z Nxumalo. Thank you to all the nurses in the labour ward, Nurse Sne,Thuli,Mbali and nurse Buthelezi in Ward 6 for recovery. Everyone made my stay pleasant and gave me hope that my birth would be what I wanted which it was. I would also like to Thank Dr Sepang our Pedestrian who checked up on baby. Thank you to the Admission team also for explaining everything to me and helping with my passport. Me and the baby are doing quite well and it’s all thanks to the team. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Makhosi Gwala, Google Review

If you’re after a private hospital offering minimally invasive procedures, Melrose Surgical Centre is worth a look. Its specialists are renowned for exactly that, with a line-up of services that include ENT, urology, orthopaedics, arthroscopy, and reconstructive procedures.

The staff are great overall. A handful of my workmates have stayed here, and they appreciated the personnel’s lighthearted approach, with some even game for small talk.

Rooms don’t feel gloomy either. They follow a more modern look, emphasising natural light and space.

The centre’s biggest catch is that it’s not exactly suited for long-term hospitalisation. As said, most of its treatments are day procedures.

On top of that, Melrose only has one specialist for fields such as neurosurgery, urology, and nephrology.

The silver lining, though, is the abundance of orthopaedic (20-plus), reconstructive (5), ENT (4), and gastroenterology (4) specialists.

Caring and Friendly Staff

I had surgery at this facility over a month ago and cannot stop raving about it to everyone who lends me an ear 😂 the most amazing, caring and friendly staff. Super clean & lovely food. It was the first time I experienced healthcare like that in South Africa. Thank you to everyone – from the receptionists to the nurses to the specialists – everyone greets you with smiles and warmth.

Nadia V, Google Review

State of The Art

What an incredible experience! The facility was state of the art, the people were phenomenal and the food was so good. I recently had surgery on my knee at Melrose Surgical Centre and the experience was amazing. I have never encountered such friendly staff, who were genuinely concerned about my wellbeing. I can’t thank everyone enough for making my experience so smooth.

Cameron Stride, Google Review

I think Johannesburg Surgical Hospital’s radiology department is one of the city’s best. Dr Rensburg was especially helpful and empathetic, walking me through my complications without stirring anxiety.

The test results were also accurate, a perk our interviewees also pointed out. Well, that’s no shocker, given their range of modern MRI, CT, sonar, and X-ray equipment.

Beyond that, the hospital has hybrid theatres, a feature not every hospital on this list has. These are rare facilities designed for both extremely complicated surgeries and minimally invasive procedures.

That brings us to the next advantage: size and scope. In total, Johannesburg Surgical Hospital has 13 theatres, 195 beds, and 36 specialists across 10-plus fields.

Of course, it’s not flawless, particularly when it comes to communication. Delayed responses over email or phone happen more than they should.

It’s also pricier than most places, and the billing department tends to send patients in circles.

Caring and Competent

My Son had a concussion injury and had the best treatment experience. From the efficient/ caring and competent casualty staff. All the way to his in hospital stay in ward B for a week. He didn’t want to come home the food was so good. 5 star treatment. Thank you.

Nikki Machowski, Google Review

All Very Friendly

When you enter this hospital everyone are so friendly. From entering at the security gate to reception, emercency services doctors, specialists, medical personnel there and in ICU ward, Surgery wards and Radiology you are treated with friendliness and kindness. The porters, cleaning staff, catering staff are all very friendly. What a great clean well managed hospital. Thank you to everyone working at JSH.

Lorraine Hatton, Google Review