Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital - Image 1
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Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

3.5
·515 reviews·Johannesburg, South Africa

One of Africa's largest hospitals, offering comprehensive public healthcare and serving as a vital academic and training center in Soweto.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, 1 PM - 3 PM

Official visiting hours

CrowdHigh
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Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital - Image 1

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

Best Time

Weekdays, 1 PM - 3 PM

Official visiting hours

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

One of Africa's largest hospitals, offering comprehensive public healthcare and serving as a vital academic and training center in Soweto.

3.5
(515 reviews)

"While facing challenges, the dedication of staff at Bara Hospital shines through, providing essential care to millions."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Hassles

Expect significant delays due to restricted exits and mandatory security checks. Parking is far from wards. 🚗

💧 Water Source Initiative

A borehole donation ensures a sustainable water supply, crucial for hospital operations. :droplet:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.5 · 525 reviews

Type

Hospital

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paediatric Ward 17

Paediatric Ward 17

Ward 17

Renowned for its dedicated nurses and doctors providing compassionate care and effective treatment for children.

Reddit
Plastic Surgery Ward

Plastic Surgery Ward

Plastic Surgery Ward

Celebrated for excellent patient feedback and successful procedures like breast reductions.

Instagram
Garden of Heroes

Garden of Heroes

Garden of Heroes

A poignant tribute to healthcare workers lost during COVID-19 and whistleblowers who fought corruption.

Instagram
Lactation Centre

Lactation Centre

Lactation Centre

A vital new facility supporting mothers and newborns, a testament to community partnerships.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Bara: What to Expect

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (Bara) is one of Africa's largest hospitals. Expect long waits and potential resource limitations, but also incredible dedication from staff. Plan for a busy environment and be patient. Reddit

Patient and Visitor Guidelines

Understand visiting hours and hospital policies to ensure a smooth experience. Feedback is valued; formal complaints or compliments can be lodged with the Complaints Manager. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekdays, 1 PM - 3 PM
Why
Official visiting hours
Crowd
High
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for appointments
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

...it is has been almost a week since I was discharged from Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, and yet to this day, I cannot get over the fact of how startled I am at the level of symptom management, emotional support and spiritual care I had received at this world known public health care centre in Soweto. The medical staff were just out of this world and I most grateful to all the compas...
thipa_rampou
0 likes • 146 views

🚗 Parking Hassles

Expect significant delays due to restricted exits and mandatory security checks. Parking is far from wards. Reddit 🚗

💧 Water Source Initiative

A borehole donation ensures a sustainable water supply, crucial for hospital operations. Instagram :droplet:

In a powerful reunion at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Dr. Gobetz from Vitalab and Dr. Bongi Rubushe-Ngwenya, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist, have joined forces to advance minimally invasive gynecological surgery. This marks a full-circle moment for Dr. Gobetz, who trained at Baragwanath early in his career. “Being back here feels like coming home,” he shared, reflecting on his ye...
vitalabsa
43 likes • 1.9K views
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital values your feedback Listen to Ms. Thethiwe Molefi, the Complaints Manager at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, as she explains the process for lodging a formal complaint or compliment #Baradise
chrishanibaragwanath
28 likes • 1.5K views

🤝 Community Support

Various initiatives, like Ponseti treatment for clubfoot, highlight strong community and NGO partnerships. Instagram :handshake:

⚖️ Feedback Process

Formal complaints or compliments can be submitted to the Complaints Manager. Instagram :speech_balloon:

Today, we officially launched the RMHC SA Lactation Centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. We extend our deepest gratitude to every person who helped make this initiative possible🙏🏽. We were honoured to be joined by the Honourable MEC for Health and Wellness, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and Prof. Sthembiso Velaphi, Head of Paediatrics at CHBAH. Thank you to the CEO of CHBAH, Dr Nthab...
rmhcsouthafrica
48 likes • 10.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Hassles

Expect significant delays due to restricted exits and mandatory security checks. Parking is far from wards. Reddit 🚗

💧 Water Source Initiative

A borehole donation ensures a sustainable water supply, crucial for hospital operations. Instagram :droplet:

🤝 Community Support

Various initiatives, like Ponseti treatment for clubfoot, highlight strong community and NGO partnerships. Instagram :handshake:

⚖️ Feedback Process

Formal complaints or compliments can be submitted to the Complaints Manager. Instagram :speech_balloon:

🏥 Medical Rotation Experience

Medical students find it an amazing and valuable learning experience. Reddit :mortar_board:

What Travellers Say

3.5
(515 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is a vital, large-scale public healthcare institution with dedicated staff, particularly praised in specialized wards like Paediatrics and Plastic Surgery. However, some visitors report significant issues with patient dignity, long waits, and systemic neglect, highlighting the strain on public healthcare resources. InstagramReddit

"My sister was involved in a terrible car accident and taken to Baragwanath Hospital the closest medical facility to the scene. What she has endured since arriving there is deeply distressing and completely unacceptable.

From the moment she was admitted, she was treated with a shocking lack of dignity. She was left lying naked in a bed with nothing to cover her for over six hours, waiting for her first scans. Those scans then took an unreasonably long time to be processed. If she had suffered any severe internal injuries, those delays could have cost her life.

As if that wasn’t enough, she has been denied food and water for more than a full day, and staff have refused to allow our family to give her anything, even after she repeatedly asked for water. This blatant neglect and disregard for basic human needs is inhumane.

What makes this even more infuriating is the reality that millions of hardworking South Africans are unemployed and would give anything for the chance to work especially in roles where they could make a real difference. Yet, in our state hospitals, we too often see staff who show no passion for caring for others, no sense of urgency, and no accountability. Our healthcare system deserves better and so do the people in it.

I am absolutely outraged. This horrific treatment in our state hospitals cannot continue. The lack of empathy and responsibility shows just how deeply broken our public healthcare system has become. Our country is failing the very people it is meant to protect its citizens.

I’m tired of ghis injustice, my sister and every other patient there deserves to get the urgent and professional care that they deserve.

I ask you (IS THIS HOW YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR FAMILY TREATED?)

Regards,

Chandri"

Chandri Jordaan

"I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding service provided by the doctors and nurses in Ward 17 Paediatrics. The doctors demonstrate unwavering commitment to their patients, working tirelessly to ensure their recovery. Throughout my stay, I observed numerous children showing significant improvement. The nurses play a vital role in maintaining a smooth and efficient environment, delivering compassionate care to each child. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are in capable hands. When my daughter suffered an asthma attack, the doctors responded promptly and effectively, delaying her discharge until she was fully recovered. I am deeply indebted to the doctors and nurses from Ward 17 and wish them all the best."

Nonhlanhla senneloe

"I’m writing this with a heavy heart… my mother is admitted at the hospital it’s been a week now. She has a spine fracture which makes her not to be able to walk to the restroom, they using diapers on her. To cut the long story short during visiting hours (1pm - 3pm) she helped herself and I was still there - got home and checked up on her at around 8pm, she told me they haven’t changed her diaper. The time now is 10pm they still haven’t changed her, over 8 hours with a dirty diaper. How is that good for her health? Considering the fact that they always leave her like that for hours. The nurses in word 24 repulse me they are so inhumane. Sad part is I was advised not to say anything because they will kill her"

Ndzalama Mongwe

What People Like

Dedicated medical staff
Excellent specialized care
Community initiatives

What People Dislike

Long patient waits
Lack of dignity
Parking difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The hospital is located in Soweto, Johannesburg. Public transport options like taxis and buses are available. Driving can be challenging due to traffic and parking restrictions. Reddit

Parking can be a significant issue, with restricted exits causing traffic jams and long waits. Visitors are often directed to park about 1km away from the wards. Reddit

While the hospital is a major facility, there have been reports of car theft and break-ins in the parking areas. Exercise caution and secure your belongings. Reddit

Once inside the premises, you may need to walk a considerable distance to reach your ward. Inquire with security for directions, but be prepared for a walk. Reddit

The long distances to wards and the condition of walkways can be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's advisable to seek assistance if needed. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital provides free medical services to patients. There are no entry fees for visitors, but parking may incur charges or delays. Instagram

Visiting hours are typically from 1 PM to 3 PM daily. It's advisable to confirm these hours upon arrival as they can sometimes change. Reddit

While some reviews suggest restrictions, it's best to check with the ward staff regarding bringing food and water for patients, especially considering specific dietary needs or medical conditions. Reddit

You can contact the Complaints Manager, Ms. Thethiwe Molefi, to formally lodge a complaint or compliment about your experience. Instagram

Visitors may be subject to security checks. It's recommended to travel light and be prepared for potential delays during entry and exit. Reddit

🎫 🏥 Onsite Experience

It's a very busy and large public hospital. While staff dedication is often praised, patients and visitors may experience long waits and resource challenges. InstagramReddit

As a major academic hospital, it offers a wide range of services, including paediatrics, oncology, plastic surgery, and emergency care. Instagram+1

Patient care can be mixed. While many staff are highly dedicated and provide excellent care, some reviews highlight instances of neglect and lack of dignity. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Paediatrics Ward 17 is highly regarded for its care. There's also a Lactation Centre supporting mothers and newborns. InstagramReddit

Security is present, but there have been reports of theft and break-ins. Visitors should remain vigilant and secure their belongings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information on visitor dining options is limited. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks or plan to eat outside the hospital premises. Reddit

Patient access to outside food can be restricted. It's best to consult with the nursing staff regarding specific patient dietary needs and hospital policies. Reddit

Hospital meals are provided, but the quality and availability can vary. Some reviews mention patients being denied food or water, highlighting potential issues. Reddit

Specific details about on-site cafes or canteens for visitors are not widely available. It's recommended to be prepared with your own provisions. Reddit

Communicate any special dietary requirements to the medical staff. They can advise on hospital provisions or potential arrangements. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography of patients and staff without explicit consent is not permitted in healthcare facilities. Be respectful of privacy. Instagram

The Garden of Heroes offers a more appropriate and respectful setting for photography, honouring healthcare workers. Instagram

While not a tourist attraction, moments of community support and medical advancements, like the Lactation Centre, might be captured respectfully. Instagram

Filming or vlogging for personal or professional use typically requires official permission from the hospital administration. Instagram

The exterior of such a large and significant institution can be photographed, but always be mindful of the surrounding environment and any security personnel. Instagram

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