First patients referred to Seshego Treatment Centre

Seven people from Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts have so far been referred for inpatient treatment at Seshego Treatment Centre since the official opening of the facility last Tuesday.
Adele van der Linde, Deputy Director Public Relations and Stakeholder Management at the Department of Social Development, indicated that reports were being compiled by the social workers who had referred the seven persons before they can be admitted.
She said she had been informed by Sanca Limpopo Alcohol and Drug Centre that they frequently visit all the districts to assess persons who may need assistance.
“Social workers from any institution, including schools, hospitals and non-profit organisations, can refer patients to the centre. Pregnant women and people over 60 years of age will not be detoxed at the centre as they are high risk patients.
“The centre only accommodates people over the age of 18 as it treats moderate to severe substance use disorders,” Van der Linde explained.
She added that it was found that persons under the age of 18 only experiment with drugs and are diagnosed with mild substance use disorders.
These patients are suited for the outpatient programme, she stated. Van der Linde highlighted that on the day of opening, Sanca Limpopo Alcohol and Drug Centre officials handled about three enquiries and cautioned that the centre is not a walk-in but works on referrals.
During the opening Social Development MEC Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana emphasised that the state-of-the-art treatment centre will offer onsite detoxification treatment as well as social reintegration and occupational therapy programmes to up to 54 people at the centre, but many more people will benefit from the outpatient programme.
She said that a team consisting of a doctor, nurses, social workers, a psychologist and psychiatrist among others, will strengthen the services of the centre.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za