Bells HardingstoneCharlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is one of South Africa’s largest and most prestigious public hospitals. Located in Parktown, Johannesburg, it serves as a major tertiary referral centre for Gauteng and surrounding provinces. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, training the next generation of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals.
For patients and visitors, navigating a large academic hospital can be daunting. Knowing which department you need, when you can visit, and who to contact can save time and reduce stress.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, including its departments, visiting hours, and essential contact information.
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Departments Visiting Hours And Contacts: Complete Guide
About Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
The hospital was established in 1979 as Johannesburg Hospital. It was renamed in 2008 in honour of Charlotte Maxeke, a pioneering South African leader, social worker, and activist. It is a public hospital under the Gauteng Department of Health.
Key Facts:
Type: Tertiary academic hospital.
Beds: Approximately 1,088.
Services: Provides specialised and super-specialised care.
Teaching: Affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School.
Location: Parktown, Johannesburg.
The hospital offers a full range of medical and surgical services, including specialised units for trauma, oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery, and more.
Hospital Location And Directions
Address:
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
Area 527, Jubilee Road
Parktown, Johannesburg
2193
GPS Coordinates: -26.1794, 28.0451
Directions:
By Car:
From the M1 North or South, take the St Andrews Road / Houghton off-ramp. Follow St Andrews Road, which becomes Carse O’Gowrie Road. Turn into Jubilee Road. The hospital is on your right.
From the N1 Western Bypass, take the Beyers Naude Drive off-ramp and follow signs to Parktown.
By Public Transport:
Metrobus and minibus taxis serve the Parktown area. The nearest Gautrain station is Park Station, from which you can take a taxi or bus to the hospital.
Parking:
Limited parking is available on the hospital grounds. There are pay-to-park areas, but they fill up quickly, especially during weekdays. Arrive early if you are driving. Alternatively, use the Parktown North parking area and walk across.
Main Hospital Departments
The hospital is organised into numerous departments and specialised units. Here are the major ones:
Emergency Department (Casualty)
Location: Ground floor, main hospital building.
Services: 24-hour emergency care for trauma, medical emergencies, and acute conditions.
Contact: Dial 011 488 4911 (ask for Emergency Department).
The Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the country. Patients are triaged, meaning those with the most serious conditions are seen first. Be prepared for long waits during busy periods.
Trauma Unit
Location: Adjacent to the Emergency Department.
Services: Specialised care for major trauma, including motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, and severe injuries.
Contact: Via Emergency Department.
The Trauma Unit is a level 1 trauma centre, providing the highest level of care for critically injured patients.
Medical Wards
The hospital has multiple medical wards specialising in different areas:
General Medicine: For patients with a wide range of medical conditions.
Cardiology: For heart-related conditions.
Respiratory: For lung and breathing conditions.
Gastroenterology: For digestive system conditions.
Nephrology: For kidney conditions and dialysis.
Endocrinology: For diabetes and hormonal conditions.
Neurology: For nervous system conditions.
Infectious Diseases: For complex infections, including TB and HIV.
Contact the main hospital switchboard for specific ward numbers.
Surgical Wards
Surgical wards include:
General Surgery: For a wide range of surgical procedures.
Cardiothoracic Surgery: For heart and lung surgery.
Neurosurgery: For brain and spinal surgery.
Orthopaedic Surgery: For bone and joint surgery.
Urology: For urinary tract surgery.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Vascular Surgery.
Specialised Units
Intensive Care Unit (ICU):
For critically ill patients requiring close monitoring and life support.
Visiting is strictly limited.
High Care Unit:
A step-down unit between ICU and general wards.
Coronary Care Unit (CCU):
Specialised unit for heart attack and cardiac patients.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):
For premature and critically ill newborn babies.
Parents are usually allowed more flexible visiting.
Paediatric Ward:
For children requiring hospitalisation.
Parents are usually allowed to stay with their children.
Oncology Unit:
For cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments.
Renal Unit:
For dialysis patients.
Burns Unit:
Specialised care for burn victims.
Maternity And Obstetrics
Antenatal Clinic:
For pregnancy check-ups and care.
Contact: Via main switchboard.
Labour Ward:
For childbirth.
Partners are usually allowed to be present.
Postnatal Ward:
For mothers and newborns after birth.
Visiting hours may be restricted.
Outpatient Departments (OPD)
The hospital has numerous outpatient clinics where patients are seen by appointment or referral. These include:
Medical Outpatients: For follow-up appointments with physicians.
Surgical Outpatients: For pre- and post-surgery consultations.
Specialist Clinics: For cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, and other specialities.
Antiretroviral (ARV) Clinic: For HIV treatment and management.
TB Clinic: For tuberculosis treatment.
Well Baby Clinic: For infant check-ups and immunisations.
Appointments are required for most outpatient clinics. Patients are usually referred from primary healthcare clinics or other hospitals.
Pharmacy
Location: Ground floor, near the main entrance.
Services: Dispenses medication for inpatients and outpatients.
Contact: Via main switchboard.
Outpatients may have to wait for their medication. Bring your prescription and patient file.
Radiology (X-Ray and Imaging)
Services: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, mammograms.
Location: Ground floor.
Contact: Via main switchboard.
Referral from a doctor is required for most imaging services.
Laboratory Services
The hospital has a large on-site laboratory providing pathology and blood tests. Samples are collected from wards and outpatient clinics.
Administration And Records
Medical Records:
For accessing your patient file, obtaining reports, and updating information.
Location: Ground floor, near main entrance.
Contact: Via main switchboard.
Patient Enquiries:
For general enquiries about patients, admission, and discharge.
Contact: Via main switchboard.
Social Work Department:
Provides counselling, discharge planning, and support services.
Contact: Via main switchboard.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are strictly enforced to ensure patient rest and safety. They may vary by ward and department.
General Wards:
Weekdays: 15:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00.
Weekends and Public Holidays: 15:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Care:
Visiting is strictly limited, usually to immediate family only.
Times: 11:00 to 12:00 and 19:00 to 20:00.
Only one or two visitors at a time.
Paediatric Ward:
Parents are usually allowed to stay with their children. Other visitors may be restricted.
Maternity Ward:
Partners and immediate family may have more flexible hours. Check with the ward.
COVID-19 and Infection Control:
Visiting hours and rules may change based on infection control protocols. Check with the hospital before visiting.
General Visiting Rules:
No more than two visitors per patient at a time.
Children under 12 may be restricted from some wards.
Visitors must be healthy and not show signs of illness.
Do not visit if you have flu-like symptoms.
Follow instructions from nursing staff.
Keep noise to a minimum.
Do not take photos or videos without permission.
Important Contacts
Main Hospital Switchboard:
Tel: 011 488 4911
This is the central number for all enquiries. Ask to be connected to the specific department or ward you need.
Emergency Department (Casualty):
Tel: 011 488 4911 (ask for Emergency Department)
Appointments (Outpatient Departments):
Tel: 011 488 4911 (ask for relevant clinic)
Medical Records:
Tel: 011 488 4911 (ask for Medical Records)
Patient Enquiries:
Tel: 011 488 4911
Social Work Department:
Tel: 011 488 4911 (ask for Social Work)
Gauteng Department of Health Helpline:
Tel: 0800 203 522 (toll-free)
Tips For Visiting Charlotte Maxeke Hospital
Plan Your Visit:
Know the visiting hours for the specific ward.
Arrive early to allow time for parking and finding the ward.
Bring Identification:
You may need to show ID at the security checkpoint.
Have the patient’s name and ward number ready.
Be Patient:
The hospital is busy. Staff are working hard to care for patients.
Waiting times can be long.
Respect The Rules:
Follow visiting hours and ward rules.
Do not bring large groups.
Keep noise to a minimum.
Keep Valuables Safe:
Do not bring unnecessary valuables.
Keep your belongings with you at all times.
Wash Your Hands:
Use hand sanitiser or wash your hands before and after visiting.
This helps prevent the spread of infection.
Do Not Visit If You Are Sick:
If you have a cold, flu, or any infectious symptoms, do not visit. Ask someone else to go or send your well wishes in another way.
Bring Essentials:
If the patient needs specific items (toiletries, clothes, snacks), check with the nursing staff first.
Common Questions, FAQ Section
Where is Charlotte Maxeke Hospital located?
The hospital is located on Jubilee Road in Parktown, Johannesburg.
What are the visiting hours?
General wards: 15:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00 daily. ICU and other units have restricted hours.
How do I contact a patient?
Call the main switchboard at 011 488 4911 and ask to be connected to the patient’s ward.
Is there parking at the hospital?
Limited pay-to-park areas are available. Arrive early as they fill up quickly.
What should I bring to the hospital?
If you are a patient, bring your ID, medical aid details, any referral letters, and a list of your medications. If you are visiting, bring identification and the patient’s details.
Can I take photos or videos?
Generally no. Respect patient privacy. Ask permission from nursing staff and the patient.
Are children allowed to visit?
Rules vary by ward. Children under 12 may be restricted from some areas. Check with the ward.
What is the emergency number?
For emergencies, call 10111 (SAPS) or 112 from a mobile. For the hospital Emergency Department, call 011 488 4911.
How do I get my medical records?
Contact Medical Records through the main switchboard. You may need to submit a formal request and provide identification.
Does the hospital have a pharmacy?
Yes. The outpatient pharmacy is on the ground floor. Inpatients receive medication through the ward.
Summary: Key Information
Address: Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg.
Main Switchboard: 011 488 4911.
Visiting Hours: General wards 15:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00 daily.
Emergency Department: 24 hours.
Parking: Limited pay-to-park.
Affiliation: University of the Witwatersrand.
Final Warning: Rules Can Change
Hospital policies, visiting hours, and contact details can change without notice. Always call ahead to confirm visiting hours and any special requirements. Be respectful of the hardworking staff and the patients who are trying to heal.
Official Gauteng Department of Health Website: www.health.gauteng.gov.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Information is subject to change. Always verify current details directly with the hospital before visiting.