One-year wait for trial evaluations at Sterkfontein Hospital
Fast-tracking the process to clear up the backlog will help, but more measures are needed.
Psychiatric evaluations for awaiting trial detainees will take at least one year as 197 prisoners are on the list for admission to the Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital.
This was revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa in a written reply to questions from Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, in the Gauteng Legislature.
“The backlog has worsened as a previous reply to my questions in August 2015 indicated that there were 138 male patients awaiting mental evaluation for trial, which would take between eight to 12 months.”
Bloom says the long waiting time leads to delays in many court cases which are then repeatedly postponed because psychiatric evaluations have not been done.
Ramokgopa says that steps to reduce waiting times for admittance at Sterkfontein include close liaison with the courts and National Health to fast-track the process, increasing the admission beds from 40 to 45, and the employment of more psychiatrists.
“These efforts will help, but more measures are needed to curb the backlog which has grown alarmingly,” Bloom said.
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