Limpopo’s Mental Health Facility Construction on Track
The new 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 adolescent beds, as well as 18 consulting rooms for doctors and allied professionals, providing a comfortable setting for outpatient mental health services.
According to Akeso’s infrastructure programme manager Matthew Scott, significant progress has been made on site with the completion of the bulk earthworks and the near completion of the installation of the bulk services, following the formal site handover to the main contractor in July 2024.
“Although the team has experienced a few challenges on site, encountering hard rock and the excessive rainfall of recent weeks, the team is progressing well and is focused on achieving the milestones set out in our construction programme. Maintaining the current momentum, we aim to be on schedule for an inspection by the Department of Health, and set an opening date in early 2026,” Scott confirmed.
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Just 1.5km away from Netcare Pholoso Hospital, the chosen 1.5-hectare site allows for synergy between the new facility and the hospital’s level II trauma centre. Designed for future expansion, its strategic location perfectly meets the growing mental healthcare needs of the provincial capital.
At a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday, 25 April 2024, it was announced that construction of the new facility will formally commence in mid-May.
“The concept for Netcare Akeso Polokwane originated in 2019 but was temporarily delayed during the pandemic. The need for mental health services has further increased globally and in the region,” Dr Mathebula says.
“The construction and necessary preparations for commissioning and inspection by the Department of Health [DOH] is expected to take approximately 18 months. If all goes according to schedule, we aim to be ready to open for admissions in early 2026,” Dr Khosa adds.
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 DOH, 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,” Hooyberg says.
“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.”