Life Flora Clinic – Urgent Care / Casualty

I attended Life Flora Clinic yesterday shortly after 13h40, following a formal referral letter from my GP to urgent care. The referral was specifically for assessment by my treating neurosurgeon, Dr Ruan Marais, who is fully fami**** with my medical history. At the time of presentation, I had loss of sensation from my lower spine to my mid-thigh, which constitutes a serious neurological concern requiring prompt and coordinated medical attention.

I was assessed and placed in a casualty bed and placed on a drip containing Perfalgan. Shortly thereafter, I suffered a severe and acute allergic reaction. My face and body began burning intensely and I developed visible welts. It is important to note that I have never previously had an allergic reaction to Perfalgan, despite multiple prior hospital admissions.

During this reaction, I repeatedly called out for assistance and activated the nurse call button multiple times. No response was received. I was forced to physically get out of the casualty bed and seek help myself. Only then was I administered an antihistamine injection. During this time, a nurse addressed me in a raised and accusatory manner, as though the reaction was somehow my fault. This conduct was inappropriate and unprofessional.

Approximately 40 minutes later, blood tests were requested and taken. I was informed that Dr Marais required a full MRI. I was further advised that the on-call doctor, Dr Govender, would attend to me. Despite this, more than three hours passed without any doctor assessing me. There was no communication, no updates, and no explanation provided during this extended period. I remained lying in the casualty bed, anxious and distressed, with unresolved neurological symptoms.

Of particular concern is that despite my GP personally contacting Dr Marais to express the urgency and seriousness of my condition, Dr Marais did not make a courtesy visit, assessment, or examination at any point during my stay. This occurred notwithstanding the fact that he is my treating neurosurgeon, had access to my medical history, and was made aware of the neurological deficits I was experiencing.

After repeatedly requesting an update, I was eventually told that I “needed an MRI”. When I asked where Dr Govender was, I was given three conflicting explanations. At this point, I no longer felt safe remaining under the care of staff who displayed a lack of communication, urgency, and accountability.

I requested to be discharged. The nurse attending to me was rude and visibly impatient. She forcefully removed my IV line, app**** a bandage, and walked away to retrieve discharge documentation. Shortly thereafter, I began bleeding profusely from the IV site due to the vein not having clotted. I became dizzy and unwell. When this was raised, the nurse responded dismissively, stating that it “should not make me feel so dizzy”. This response was callous and medically inappropriate.

To compound this experience, I was required to pay for a doctor consultation prior to discharge. This was for a doctor who never assessed me, never examined me, and never provided medical advice or intervention. Charging a patient under these circumstances raises serious ethical and moral concerns.

This experience reflects a troubling lack of urgency, communication, compassion, and professional accountability. The treatment I received was distressing and unacceptable. I believe this matter warrants public attention and formal review by hospital management and relevant healthcare oversight bodies. No patient, particularly one presenting with clear neurological red flags, should be subjected to such treatment.