Description: |
In- and out-patient mental health services are available for children and adults during those periods when their mental health care requires more intensive and contained care than available at the primary level of care. Hospital care for mental health is currently primarily offered in units located in the metropolitan region; however, these centres offer services for clients throughout the province according to designated areas. The following four psychiatric hospitals offer specialised in- and out-patient care for adults:
Provincial services for children are available at the following units:
Specialised in- and out-patient services for selected mental health disorders are also available at the University of Cape Town's Psychiatry Department, at Groote Schuur Hospital, Stellenbosch University's Psychiatric Department, and from Tygerberg Hospital. For information on access to hospital services for adults and children living in the other regions contact:
|
Instructions: |
Potential clients must be referred to these hospitals by primary mental health services or secondary (regional) hospitals. The hospital should be contacted by the referring health worker to arrange admission beforehand. Specialised mental health services based at tertiary hospitals, Red Cross, Groote Schuur or Tygerberg would require a referral letter or completed admission application obtainable at the service centre before the service can be accessed by appointment. Currently, specialised services are only available in the metro; however, the metro offers services to the entire province according to drainage areas. First-time referrals to psychiatric or tertiary hospital will be asked to fill out a form and a folder will be opened for the patient. Bring your ID book. A referral letter from the clinic will be required when visiting a hospital. Hospitals will ask for your most recent payslip/income assessment (IRP5). Bring your hospital card if previously registered at the hospital. Most clients voluntarily admit themselves for hospital treatment. In terms of the current Mental Health Act, when the client has a psychiatric crisis and is not willing to come or unable to assess their own need to have hospital treatment and presents a risk for their own or other safety, it may be necessary for family members to have the person committed to hospital. In this case, family members should lodge an application for assistance in obtaining involuntary care with the local magistrate in their district. Mental health legislation is currently under review and changes will be introduced to the process for admitting a person for involuntary care when the new Mental Health Care Act and regulations are formally promulgated into law. On discharge from hospital, a follow-up appointment can be arranged with the mental health nurse at the clinic-based service closest to the client's home to ensure continuity of care. For more information, contact: Alexandra Hospital Lentegeur Hospital Stikland Hospital Valkenberg Hospital Ithemba House New Beginnings |
Provided At: |
These facility categories: |
Government Body: | (Department of Health and Wellness, Western Cape Government) |