POLOKWANE – Mental healthcare capacity in the province received a considerable boost with the recent opening of the 87-bed Netcare Akeso Polokwane Hospital.

The opening of this facility marks the culmination of a strategic partnership between the mental health division of the Netcare Group, Netcare Akeso and local doctors, Dr Rhulani Khosa and Dr Peters Mathebula and the hospital offers a core team of experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, supported by skilled and experienced nursing staff.

Growing need for mental health support

“Depression, burnout and challenging times leading to mental health crises can happen to anyone.

“Confidential, multidisciplinary professional support and treatment programmes are available to help people regain their sense of self when life may seem unmanageable,” says Mmoni Aphane, the manager of the new facility.

“With the increasing demand for vital psychiatric services, our aim is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care within a safe environment that is fully dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of the individuals who entrust us with their care,” Aphane adds.

Designed for comfort and future growth

Aphane explained that the well-appointed Netcare Akeso Polokwane has been designed with future expansion, comfort and energy efficiency in mind, with the first phase comprising 72 adult beds and 15 adolescent beds for inpatient admissions.

Outpatient services are also provided, with consulting rooms for psychiatrists, psychologists and allied professionals.

Strategic location enhances care

The hospital is situated within 1.5 kms of Netcare Pholoso Hospital, a level II trauma centre and the facility makes psychiatric services more accessible to surrounding communities and provides the advantages of synergy between the facilities and their disciplines.

“We anticipate referrals from the region and further afield, including neighbouring countries, given the prevailing shortage of mental healthcare facilities equipped to this standard,” Aphane says.

Focus on sustainability and efficiency

“Advanced temperature regulation includes a heat recovery system that converts excess heat from the air cooling process to help warm the hot water for showers and taps, thereby reducing the facility’s overall energy demand for water heating.

“A Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning system further enhances energy efficiency with improved control of ventilation, heating, and cooling, exactly where it is required,” says Matthew Scott, Netcare Akeso’s infrastructure programme manager and adds that the new facility includes a reverse osmosis filtration plant to treat borehole water to drinking water standards, reducing pressure on municipal resources, further demonstrating Netcare Akeso’s commitment to sustainable operations and responsible resource management,” Scott says.

Encouraging early intervention

“Our message to the community is that mental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. Seek professional support early if you are concerned about your own mental health or that of a loved one.

“Early intervention can make a long-term positive difference in a person’s life, and the stability of their relationships and commitments to friends, family and employers,” added Aphane.

To make an appointment with a psychologist, psychiatrist or occupational therapist, contact Netcare Akeso Polokwane on 015 324 0040 or download the Netcare app.

In the event of a psychological crisis, call Netcare Akeso’s 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787, where experienced registered counsellors are available to listen and advise on support options.