Medical Emergency brushed off as allergies

On Thursday (3 April) during lunch, I experienced a life-threatening event and sought medical attention at your office in the Sanlam Head Office building. I was unable to walk as I had no feeling in my legs, my speech was delayed as my mouth was numb. I could feel my heart racing and experienced extreme pressure on my chest. I informed the receptionist that I needed to see a doctor immediately as I have a pacemaker and I thought this event was related to my heart. She failed to show empathy or concern for my well-being and abruptly told me to wait as the doctor was busy. She spoke to me in a dismissive and condescending tone and delayed to provide necessary assistance or care. I told her that I needed to get to a hospital and she became extremely frustrated with me. I told her my symptoms are worsening and I’d rather leave if I could not be helped. She insisted that I stayed and waited. I was in a wheelchair and my whole body started feeling numb so eventually I couldn’t respond to her anymore. She just left me sitting there. She insisted for my details but I was unable to provide it. I was fully aware of her attitude and behavior toward me during this time but unfortunately I was unable to stand up for myself and was left just sitting in the wheelchair, waiting… I stared shivering uncontrollably and one of my colleagues asked her for a blanket. She once again responded rudely and said no, there’s no blanket, it’s a good sign if I’m getting cold.

Eventually the doctor was available to see me. When I went into the doctors rooms, the receptionist had the nerve to tell my colleagues that I probably ate something or its just allergies. What right does she have to make assumptions like this and to dismiss my request for urgent attention? Why is she discussing me with my colleagues, in front of other people? The doctor just asked me a few questions and immediately said that I was not supposed to be there and that I needed to get to a hospital immediately. He explained to me that I do not have time to waste. His exact words to my manager was; “This is not Mickey Mouse, she needs to get to a hospital.” This is exactly what I’ve been saying since I got to the doctor’s office and asked for help.

I was then rushed to Louis Leipoldt Hospital by a family member and was assisted immediately and stabilized in one of their resuscitation rooms.

The receptionist's behavior had a significant impact on my experience and well-being. I felt disrespected, unvalued, and anxious, which worsened my already critical condition.

I will never forget this traumatic experience and how I was treated at your offices. As a Sanlam employee I am disgusted by this behavior and I pray to God that I would never have to end up there again.