Time running out for mental patients
'Alternative facilities are not ready to receive these very vulnerable patients.'
Family members of mentally ill patients in Randfontein have taken to marching in opposition of the impending closure of Life Esidimeni.
“Where are Randfontein patients going?” was what was written on one placard while Randfonteiners and families for afar were outside the Gauteng Health Department.
The Esidimeni Committee of Families said that many of the patients have been transferred to unsuitable facilities often without informing family members and that these facilities do not ensure they have their belongings with them.
Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health is currently at the march in support of the disgruntled family members.
I am concerned that alternative facilities are not ready to receive these very vulnerable patients who need specialised care.
“The transfers have also not been done with sensitivity and care for the dignity of the patients. I hope that the department responds positively to the protest march to their head office in Johannesburg this morning,” Bloom said.
Last year an announcement was made to close down Life Esidimeni and various other mental health hospitals across Gauteng.
Families of mental health patients at the institution were told that their loved ones will either be sent to mainstream mental health institutions or will be released into their families’ care.
If you missed the termination of services meeting, listen to the commentary as it happened:
“I’m 27, my sister is 24, and she’s a patient here. I work in Sandton and before I institutionalised her there was no way for me to look after her. Whenever she would relapse I would have to leave work and drive to Westonaria to help her,” said Nomvula Nonjabe when Life Esidimeni made the announcement.
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