South Africa’s healthcare system is no stranger to controversy. Underpaid staff, unemployed graduates, a nursing shortage and infrastructure challenges. However, in the past few weeks, medical staff and facilities have come under the spotlight for providing a poor quality of service to patients. We discuss beside manners tonight with Sasa Manickum - veteran nurse and Unit Manager at Capital Super Specialty Hospital and Mbali Sabela - Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) KZN secretary.