Long wait for 138 awaiting trial patients at Sterkfontein Psych Hospital
DA's Jack Bloom concerned that speedy assessments are only done in high-profile cases like that of Oscar Pistorius.
138 male patients awaiting mental evaluation for trial are on the waiting list to be admitted at the Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, which will take between eight to 12 months.
This unsatisfactory situation is revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu in a written reply to Jack Bloom, the Democratic Alliances (DA) Gauteng Shadow for Health’s questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
“There are another 26 State Patients on the waiting list due to renovations to be completed in the second quarter of 2015/16, and also 36 Single Psychiatry cases who will wait between six to eight months to be admitted.
“There is spare capacity at the hospital as only 618 out of 820 beds are occupied. But the problem is that there are 39 staff vacancies, including 13 vacant Professional Nurse posts, six Nursing Assistant posts, three pharmacist posts, and three psychologists,” said Bloom
He said, “53 staff members have left the hospital since January, of which 11 resigned.
“The long waiting time to assess patients for trial is of concern as it adds to the delays in obtaining justice through our courts.
“It seems that speedy assessments are only done in a high-profile cases like that of Oscar Pistorius.
“Why not speedy justice for others as well?, ” Bloom said.
