Limpopo’s largest mental health facility under construction
The first phase will comprise of 87 beds for inpatient admissions, including 15 beds for adolescents, and 18 consultation rooms for doctors and allied professionals.
POLOKWANE – What was once a dream for doctors Peters Mathebula and Rhulani Khosa is now almost a reality, with 150 beds and more than 18 consultation rooms that will take shape in the form of a mental health facility in the city.
“As general practitioners, we identified a need for a mental health facility in the city and province. In partnership with Netcare Akeso, the mental health development of the Netcare Group, we led the way for the establishment of this facility,” Mathebula remarked.
Khosa added that this will be the biggest private mental health hospital in the province.
“We hope to create jobs during construction and thereafter, as this facility will also be a catalyst for economic growth.”
At the sod-turning ceremony held on April 25, it was announced that construction of the new facility would formally commence by mid-May.
Mayor John Mpe attended the event and said it is a new journey for the city he is delighted to be a part of.
The 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 beds for adolescents, and 18 consultation rooms for doctors and allied professionals, providing a comfortable setting for outpatient mental health services.
Emma Hooyberg, the commercial manager of Netcare Akeso said, “accessibility of mental health and allied services is an integral component of overall health and well-being 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”.
The new hospital will be situated 1.5km from Netcare Pholoso Hospital and the site allows for synergy between the new facility and the hospital’s level two trauma centre.
Designed for future expansion, its strategic location perfectly meets the growing mental healthcare needs of the provincial capital.
Mathebula said the concept for a Netcare Akeso Polokwane facility originated in 2019 but was temporarily delayed during the pandemic.
“The need for mental health services has further increased globally and in the region.”
Khosa added: “The construction and necessary preparations for commissioning and inspection by the Department of Health are expected to take approximately 18 months. If all goes according to schedule, we aim to be ready to open for admissions in early 2026.”
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 Health Department, 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.
“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,” concluded Hooyberg.
