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Home » Viral » Gauteng Health Dept rubbishes Tom London’s ‘horror’ hospital experience
Gauteng Health Dept rubbishes Tom London’s ‘horror’ hospital experience
Tom London spent 14 days in the facility, during which time, the department asserts, he received "adequate clinical care" before discharging himself on Saturday.
The Gauteng Department of Health has dismissed allegations made by former broadcaster Tom London regarding his treatment at Helen Joseph Hospital.
Story summary:
Former broadcaster Tom London publicly criticised Helen Joseph Hospital after a 14-day stay.
London complained about poor conditions and lack of care.
The Gauteng Health Department dismissed the claims, stating London received adequate treatment.
Gauteng Health: ‘Tom London received adequate clinical care’
The department’s statement comes after London shared his experience on social media, describing the conditions at the hospital as “atrocious” and claiming that he was neglected by medical staff.
According to the department, London, whose real name is Thomas Holmes, was admitted to the hospital on 25 August 2024, with difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with empyema, a complication often linked to pneumonia.
He spent 14 days in the facility, during which time, the department asserts, he received “adequate clinical care” before discharging himself on September 7 after signing a refusal of treatment form.
“We are satisfied that the clinical care provided to Mr London was appropriate for his condition. While there are infrastructure challenges at the hospital, these did not compromise the treatment of patients,” said Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The department further expressed willingness to allow an independent review of London’s medical care.
What London said about Helen Joseph Hospital
Tom London took to Facebook, detailing his “horrifying” experience at Helen Joseph Hospital.
In a series of videos titled “Welcome to Helen Joseph Circus Hospital,” London spoke of substandard facilities, disrespectful medical staff, and inadequate care.
He claimed that he was left in casualty for three days, once lying in his own waste for an entire day.
“The conditions in the hospital are shocking; the toilets are disgusting. There are no proper bathing facilities—you have to use a bucket at 4am to wash yourself. There’s no dignity,” London told TimesLIVE.
London also described the staff’s behaviour, claiming that doctors ignored patients and discussed personal matters while performing painful procedures.
He recounted witnessing a man undergoing a lumbar puncture, who later died in the ward.
“By the time they removed his body, the room was full of flies,” London said.
While the Health Department acknowledged infrastructure problems, they maintained that London’s medical care was not affected and encouraged patients to report any issues through the proper channels.
