Transfer of 789 mentally ill patients in 22 NGOs will begin next week‚ Dr Gwen Ramokgopa said on Wednesday‚ explaining interventions being undertaken by the Gauteng Health Department following the shocking death of state psychiatric patients.
The recently appointed MEC‚ who was parachuted into the job after the scandal‚ said a team of experts have assessed the patients and the competences of the receiving facilities that will take care of their specialized needs.
"All logistical arrangements on the said transfer are in place. The transfer of patients will not be rushed and will be carried out properly‚" said Ramokgopa.
She said that the department would ensure that patients were brought closer to their homes and families for easier visiting access for families.
Ramokgopa said an effective monitoring and evaluation system would be put in place to ensure that patients are not compromised during transfers‚ saying transparency is pivotal.
"We also intend to bring in medical experts in the field of mental healthcare to guide us moving forward. We are going to replenish the mental health team and change management‚" said Ramokgopa.
- TMG Digital/TimesLIVE
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