​There have been significant improvements made to bolster service provision to mental healthcare users and general patients at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital. This was confirmed by MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko during an oversight visit to the facility this afternoon (25 January). 

The visit follows the circulation of a misleading video that was taken in December 2022 at the facility and was distributed afresh at the end of last week on social media platforms to mislead the public into believing that mental health care users at the facility are currently being kept in poor condition. 

The fact is that the facility has since doubled its bed capacity for admission of mental healthcare users from 30 to 60 and no longer uses an overflow area at casualty to accommodate such patients. 

Over the years, the hospital has undergone infrastructure upgrades to create a conducive environment for patients and staff including the addition of an Alternative Building Technology structure. 

Upon assessment of services at the hospital, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko acknowledged challenges faced by the facility in the past but emphasised that strides have been made to overcome these obstacles and improve service provision at Tembisa hospital. 

 “It is worrying when people reshare old videos without context and wanting society to believe that what if portrayed reflects the current conditions at the hospital. 

“I am proud of the work that this institution and its staff has done. There has been a significant improvement in all aspects. The Tembisa Hospital you knew two years ago is no more, we have really made strides to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services and improved patient experience of care,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

 The Department remains committed to providing accessible, quality mental health services to all residents in the province. Efforts to continually assess and enhance mental health care will continue in collaboration with stakeholders.