New facility to strengthen mental health services in Limpopo

Limpopo - A strategic partnership between Netcare Akeso, the mental health division of the Netcare Group, and two Limpopo doctors has laid the way for the establishment of a new psychiatric facility in Polokwane to significantly enhance private mental healthcare capacity in the province.

“The accessibility of mental health and allied services is an integral component of overall health and wellbeing support, and it is our honour to be partnering with local health stalwarts Dr Rhulani Khosa and Dr Peters Mathebula to grow these vital services in Limpopo,” says Emma Hooyberg, commercial manager of Netcare Akeso.

The new facility is being developed in phases by the Networth Group, a Polokwane investment and development company, with the first phase comprising 87 beds for inpatient admissions, including 15 adolescent beds, as well as 18 consulting rooms for doctors and allied professionals, providing a comfortable setting for outpatient mental health services.

Just 1.5km away from Netcare Pholoso Hospital, the chosen 1.5-hectare site allows for synergy between the new facility and the hospital’s level II trauma centre. Designed for future expansion, its strategic location perfectly meets the growing mental healthcare needs of the provincial capital.

At a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday, 25 April 2024, it was announced that construction of the new facility will formally commence in mid-May.

“The concept for Netcare Akeso Polokwane originated in 2019 but was temporarily delayed during the pandemic. The need for mental health services has further increased globally and in the region,” Dr Mathebula says.

“The construction and necessary preparations for commissioning and inspection by the Department of Health [DOH] is expected to take approximately 18 months. If all goes according to schedule, we aim to be ready to open for admissions in early 2026,” Dr Khosa adds.

Given the scarcity of private specialised mental health services in the region, the facility will cater to the needs of patients from Limpopo and further afield, including neighbouring countries.

The appointment of a well-known construction company and other service providers from the community is set to invigorate the local economy while promoting job creation and community development.

“Once completed and approved by the DOH, Netcare Akeso Polokwane’s core team of experts will include psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and a social worker, supported by skilled and experienced nursing staff,” Hooyberg says.

“We are grateful for the warm support this project has already received from healthcare professionals, and we look forward to the day when people requiring treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions can start benefitting from the services that will be provided at Netcare Akeso Polokwane.”