South Africa’s oldest hospital is set to receive a new acute psychiatric unit (APU) and upgrades to its theatres and ventilation systems.
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The New Somerset Hospital has been providing healthcare services to Cape Town residents for more than 150 years. According to the Western Cape Ministry of Health and Wellness, the combined total amount allocated to the project is R147.992 million. Of this, R62.779 million is allocated to the construction of the APU, and R34.608 million is allocated to the theatre upgrades.
The new APU will increase the hospital’s serving capacity. Its design was based on experiences at Mitchells Plain Hospital to prevent patients from feeling any sense of imprisonment. The 30-bed unit will be equipped with secure and open spaces, therapeutic areas, and isolation units. Completion is expected in February 2025.
Furthermore, the hospital’s existing theatres are being revamped and modernised to stay abreast of the most recent developments in the medical field. Upgrades include new medical imaging systems, new cold rooms and theatres, as well as back-up power solutions in the event of blackouts. This work is expected to be completed by May next year.
‘I am excited about the developments that are taking place at New Somerset Hospital,’ says Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape minister of health and wellness. ‘The construction of the hospital’s new APU will help capacitate the acute mental health services in the Western Cape, of which more than R260 million of APU construction is already taking place in the metro.
‘Despite the excellent work being done by New Somerset, the 40-bed unit being used does not have the facilities needed to provide holistic therapeutic care for mental health patients, making this project even more important. Those in need of mental health care need not only the support of the government but also all of society.’
‘We look forward to the immense work that will commence in due course, such as the fire proofing of the hospital due to the old material which were used in its initial construction. I commend the dedicated team of professionals working at New Somerset Hospital who will see through these important interventions.’
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