We're here to care for you.
Welcome to Botshilu Private Hospital.
Hospital stays, whether brief day surgery or extended admission, create anxiety and vulnerability. Understanding what to expect, knowing hospital policies and procedures, and having clear information about practical details reduces that anxiety whilst enabling you to focus on what truly matters: your health, healing, and recovery.
Main Reception
Visiting Hours:
We understand that during challenging times, patients find strength and comfort in the presence of their families and loved ones. To support this, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and comfortable visitation experience. Please be aware of our visitation process and hours to inform your visitors.
For the safety and security of our patients, staff, and visitors, no firearms are permitted within the hospital premises. This policy is strictly enforced to maintain a safe environment.
Due to health and safety regulations, children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the wards. This measure protects them from potential exposure to illnesses and minimises disruptions.
We also encourage all visitors to be mindful of noise levels. A calm and quiet environment significantly contributes to the healing process, allowing patients to rest and recover effectively. Please speak softly and keep noise to a minimum.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in helping us maintain a safe and serene environment.
Due to health regulations, only two visitors are permitted per patient at a time. It is recommended to contact the hospital directly at 012 798 7000 for confirmation before visiting.
Maternity Visiting Hours:
Paediatric Unit Visiting Hours:
Surgical A & B Ward and General Ward Visiting Hours:
NICU Visiting Hours:
ICU Visiting Hours:
Pharmacy Hours:
Pre-Admission
Patients are welcome to visit the hospital anytime before they are due to be admitted in order to be assisted with the pre-admission process. This ensure that your actual day of admission is as pleasant and speedy as possible.
Patients are requested to acquire pre-authorisation number from their medical aid scheme prior to admission. Our pre-admission department or your doctor’s receptionist will assist you where possible.
You will be informed of any co-payments and deductibles which will be for your account and payable on admission. Cash paying patients will be required to pay the estimated amount on or before admission.
What we will need from you:
- Medical Aid Card
- ID book / card or Birth Certificate
- Authorisation number provided by your medical aid scheme
If you are a dependent, please bring the main member’s ID and the medical aid card. In a case where a child is a minor and the main member is not available, the signatory must also provide proof of identification.
You may complete our pre-admission form at the comfort of your home and email it to reception@phelangbonolo.co.za
Admission
Your Doctor's Referral
- Your Doctor will notify the Hospital of your surgery/procedure and date by completing an Admission Request Form and Consent for Treatment Form.
- Your Doctor will explain your surgery/procedure, answer any questions and will ask you to sign and date the Consent for Treatment Form.
- If you have not signed the Consent for Treatment Form or do not understand your surgery/procedure please contact your Doctor and/or the Hospital as soon as possible
Clerical Pre Admission
- If you have any concerns, please telephone 011 798 7000 between 6am to 10:30pm for assistance. You may also email via info@phelangbonolo.co.za
- Personal/Next of Kin details
- Medical Aid Card
- Procedure codes, if these were provided to you by your Doctor
Recommendations & Considerations
- Do NOT drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after an anaesthetic.
- Do NOT eat or drink (this includes water) AFTER MIDNIGHT or AFTER 6AM for afternoon surgery unless your Doctor gives you other instructions.
- Do NOT wear excessive jewellery (wedding ring permitted).
- Do NOT bring any valuables like jewellery or large amounts of money to the Hospital.
- You will be provided with a gown to wear for your procedure.
- Phelang Bonolo and Botshilu Private Hospital DO NOT accept liability for any personal property brought into the Hospital.
What to bring if you are staying overnight
- Do NOT drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after an anaesthetic.
- Do NOT eat or drink (this includes water) AFTER MIDNIGHT or AFTER 6AM for afternoon surgery unless your Doctor gives you other instructions.
- Do NOT wear excessive jewellery (wedding ring permitted).
- Do NOT bring any valuables like jewellery or large amounts of money to the Hospital.
- You will be provided with a gown to wear for your procedure.
- Phelang Bonolo and Botshilu Private Hospital DO NOT accept liability for any personal property brought into the Hospital.
What to bring for day surgery
- Any letter(s), current x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs or test results from your doctor relating to your procedure.
- Your Medical Aid Card
- A list of all your current medications or your medications in their original boxes.
- If you are diabetic, bring your insulin/tablets with you and DO NOT take your diabetic medication on the morning of your surgery unless you are told differently by your Doctor.
- Please ensure your diabetic syringes and needles are in a rigid container with a lid.
- If you do not have a suitable container, please notify a nurse who will provide you with one.
- All your puffers for asthma.
- Please consult your doctor if you are taking regular medications to find out what you need to stop or take prior to surgery.
Be prepared to spend most of the day in the hospital so bring a book, magazines, crossword, etc. to pass the time.
Your Stay
For your comfort and convenience, Botshilu Private Hospital offers a variety of services for your comfort.
Accommodation
The Hospital offers a high standard of accommodation with both single and shared rooms available, all with ensuite bathrooms. Each room has a remote control entertainment system with television, movies, and radio access.
Nurse call system
Should you require anything at any time, please do not hesitate to call the nursing staff via the button located on the bedside handset. Our staff will endeavour to answer your call as quickly a possible.
Children
We are committed to providing flexible and family friendly care to all our patients. We recognise that any period of hospitalisation can be stressful for all concerned and our aim is to provide a safe yet family oriented environment. We encourage parents to bring with them their child’s favourite toys or bedding to help alleviate any anxiety they may be feeling.
Catering for patients
Patients receive fresh and nutritious meals prepared daily by our on-site chefs. Each morning patients receive menus, from which they select their meals according to preference and dietary requirements. Consultant dieticians are available to provide guidance with special dietary requirements.
Laundry
The hospital does not provide a personal laundry service. Please make your own arrangements with the help of family or friends. If this is not possible, please ask your nurse about alternatives.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy is located in the entrance hall of the hospital and has a range of toiletries and medication at affordable prices.
For more information on the pharmacy, please click here
Botshilu Café
Located in the main entrance hall, the Botshilu Café offers a range of hot and cold beverages, meals, sandwiches, cakes, and salads.
Operating hours are 08h00 – 19h00 daily.
Smoking
Botshilu Private Hospital does not allow smoking inside the building or at the front entrance. All patients and visitors must kindly request the sister in charge where the designated smoking areas are.
Day Surgery
We understand that for many of our patients, this is the first time having a procedure in day surgery. We hope to provide you with a clear explanation of what to expect from your visit to the Day Surgery Unit at Botshilu Private Hospital.
Pre-operative preparation
The nurse may ask you to get changed into a gown and place you in a bed or the lounge. Your belongings will be put under your bed so please try and bring small bags with you. You will return to the same bed after your operation. We recommend that you leave your valuables at home or with your support person or visitors.
Important
If you are taking any medication please bring them with you in their original packaging. Please note that nurses will admit patients according to the order of your Doctor’s operating list. Even though operating lists are carefully planned, emergencies can occur and the order of the list is sometimes changed.
Children patients | For parents
We appreciate and encourage your involvement in your child’s care. As parents, you know your child better than anyone and your presence is of great value during your child’s stay in the hospital. When your child goes to the operating theatre, you may accompany them into the holding bay. When your child wakes up in the Recovery Unit, you may be called to sit with them, so please ensure that the nursing staff know where you are, and we have your mobile number in case we cannot find you.
Children patients | Playroom
There is a playroom available for children. If your child has a favourite toy, we request that you bring it with you, ensuring it is labelled.
Children patients | Meals
We will always offer your child something to eat after they have had their surgery. If your child has allergies please let us know and we will arrange for a special diet. If your child is on a special formula or has their own feeding cup or bottle, we strongly request that you bring it with you as we do not have the facilities to provide you with an alternative.
How long will I wait before my surgery?
Your Surgeon decides when he wants you to come to the hospital. The length of time you have to wait before surgery will depend on the length of time the case will take in front of you. This can vary depending on the type of surgery.
How long will my surgery take?
This will depend on the type of surgery you are having, but if your surgery takes at least 1 hour, you will also spend 1-2 hours in the Recovery Unit before discharge.
Following your procedure
After a period of time in the recovery area, you will stay in the Day Surgery unit between 2-4 hours depending on your procedure and how you feel. When you are feeling well and meet the discharge criteria, you will be escorted by a nurse to the Discharge Lounge to wait for your transport home.
Preparing to leave
A nurse will contact the escort or pick-up person you nominated and will be given instructions about when and where to pick you up. The nurse will give you discharge information and answer any questions you may have. Please ensure you make a follow-up appointment with your Doctor. If you need a medical certificate, please contact your Doctor. A nurse will contact your designated transport person to give them a discharge time.
Fasting
As you are preparing for a surgical procedure, you will not be able to eat anything beforehand. There is no food or drink allowed in Day Surgery. You will be given a light diet and refreshments after your procedure, if you have any special dietary requirements, please let your admission nurse know so they can organise this.
Your support person
Most people arrive at Day Surgery with a support person. To maintain safety, patient confidentiality, privacy and comfort for our patients, your support person may not be permitted into Day Surgery. Your support person is welcome to sit in the reception area and the nurses will keep them informed of your progress. If your support person prefers to leave the hospital while you are having your operation, please remind them that they need to check with the nurse before leaving the hospital to ensure we have their contact details should we need to contact them for further information about you.
Discharge
Recovering at home
It is important that you are well informed of the correct way to recover at home after you are discharged. This will ensure that the medical treatment received while admitted is carried out successfully till you have fully recovered.
For more information about caring for yourself or loved ones during this transition, please click here.
How was your stay?
We value your opinion and would love to know how best we can keep improving our service to your satisfaction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Concerns and Honest Answers
Yes. Nursing staff can provide general updates to the immediate family. For detailed information, speak with the patient directly or arrange to speak with nursing staff during visiting hours. Patient confidentiality means we can only share information with authorised family members.
Yes, with supervision. Very young children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. During flu season some wards restrict young children, check with nursing staff when you arrive.
Contact the ICU nursing staff directly, they'll advise on current visiting schedule. Typically 2–3 short visits daily. ICU staff are compassionate and understand how distressing it is having loved one in intensive care. They'll accommodate as much as medically possible.
Contact main reception: 012 798 7000 Have patient's full name ready. We'll direct you to the correct ward.
Only with nursing staff approval. Many patients have medical dietary restrictions, making outside food dangerous. Always check before bringing food, we want visits to be helpful, not harmful.
Patients have the absolute right to refuse visitors, including family. We respect this. If the patient requests no visitors, we honour that request. Please speak with the nursing staff if you're concerned about a patient's wishes.
Yes, family can be enormously helpful mediating when patients are anxious or difficult. Speak with nursing unit manager about how you can assist.
Doctors typically do ward rounds in mornings. Speak with nursing staff who can arrange for doctor to speak with you. You may need to be available during rounds. Patient's consent is needed for detailed medical information to be shared with family.