Gauteng Department of Health unveils healthcare unit at local hospital
The new facility will offer voluntary admissions, assisted care, emergency mental health services, 72-hour assessments, treatment and rehabilitation.
The Gauteng Department of Health inaugurated a new mental healthcare unit at Bertha Gxowa Hospital on May 24.
The initiative is part of an effort to refurbish and repurpose facilities to enhance the mental healthcare infrastructure and services across the province.
The MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, opened the 60-bed unit, addressing the demand for mental health services.
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The new facility will offer voluntary admissions, assisted care, emergency mental health services, 72-hour assessments, treatment and rehabilitation.
The project aligns with the department’s strategy to integrate mental healthcare into the district health system.
Opened alongside Bertha Gxowa Hospital were two other centres – a 20-bed mental health ward at Helen Joseph Hospital and the Kopanong Gateway Specialised Mental Health Day Clinic.
These facilities will provide outpatient specialist care, psychotherapy, occupational therapy and social work services.
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Nkomo-Ralehoko said the developments are critical to improving mental health services and reaffirming the rights of mental healthcare users.
“Following the Life Esidimeni incident, we have increased the number of mental health specialists and personnel, with about 300 recruits so far.
“Our commitment includes upgrading infrastructure and investing in technological enhancements across our hospitals,” stated the MEC.
