Saul to open mental hospital

NORTHERN Cape Premier Zamani Saul will today officially open the new mental health hospital in Kimberley.

The opening will take place 13 years after the first of three construction contractors took occupation of the site in 2006.

Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Leboganag Majaha said that the hospital has a capacity of 287 beds and will provide a full package of specialised mental health services.

“The services to be provided include child and adolescent mental health services, forensic mental health services, general adult psychiatric services and an outpatient department,” said Majaha.

The facility has been at the centre of controversy over the years as construction costs escalated from R290 million to R2 billion.

A number of dockets were opened with the Special Investigating Unit, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks to prosecute those who had unduly benefited from the project.

Tour

Health officials, during a media tour of the facility earlier this month, indicated that 44 patients from West End Hospital have already been moved to the facility.

An additional 13 patients who are being accommodated at the Kimberley prison will be admitted to the facility.