Helderberg Pain Clinic is committed to providing the highest standard of medical care and patient experience. We recognise that concerns and complaints can arise, and we regard all feedback as an opportunity to improve our service.
This page sets out how to raise a concern, what to expect from us, and what further steps are available to you if your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction.
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Step One — Contact the Practice Directly
In the first instance, we ask that you raise your concern directly with the Practice. Many concerns can be resolved quickly through a conversation. Please contact our Practice Manager:
Yvonne Maserati — Practice Manager
info@helderbergpainclinic.co.za
Mon – Thu: 08:30 – 16:30 | Fri: 08:30 – 13:00
If you prefer to submit your complaint in writing, please email or post it to the address above, marked for the attention of the Practice Manager.
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What to Include in Your Complaint
To help us investigate and respond effectively, please include the following where possible:
- Your full name and contact details
- The date and nature of the appointment or interaction concerned
- A clear description of the concern or complaint
- Any relevant documentation such as correspondence, accounts, or referral letters
- What outcome you are hoping to achieve
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Our Response Timeframes
Stage
Timeframe
Acknowledgement of complaint
Within 5 business days
Substantive response or resolution
Within 21 business days
Complex complaints requiring further investigation
We will advise you of the extended timeframe in writing
All complaints are handled confidentially. Your care will not be adversely affected by raising a concern.
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Step Two — Escalation to Dr Smit
If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction by the Practice Manager, you may escalate the matter in writing to Dr Louis Smit directly at info@helderbergpainclinic.co.za, marked for the attention of Dr Smit. He will personally review the matter and respond within 21 business days.
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Step Three — External Bodies
If your complaint remains unresolved after following the steps above, you have the right to refer the matter to the appropriate external body. The relevant body will depend on the nature of your complaint:
Clinical or professional conduct complaints
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
012 338 9300
Quality of healthcare complaints
Office of the Health Ombud
080 021 3415 (toll free)
Medical aid or billing disputes
Council for Medical Schemes (CMS)
0861 123 267
Privacy or personal information complaints
Information Regulator of South Africa
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Confidentiality
All complaints are handled in strict confidence. Information relating to your complaint will only be shared with those directly involved in investigating and resolving the matter. Raising a complaint will have no bearing on the quality of care you receive from this Practice.
Submit a Complaint or Concern
We welcome the opportunity to hear from you and to put things right. Please contact us:
Helderberg Pain Clinic — Complaints Procedure. Version date: 17 March 2026.