Caring, evidence-based private mental healthcare in Limpopo

Mental healthcare capacity in Limpopo has received a considerable boost with the opening of the 87-bed Netcare Akeso Polokwane. 

Netcare Akeso Polokwane marks the culmination of a strategic partnership between the mental health division of the Netcare Group, Netcare Akeso, and local doctors, Dr Rhulani Khosa and Dr Peters Mathebula. 

“Depression, burnout and challenging times leading to mental health crises can happen to anyone. Confidential, multidisciplinary professional support and treatment programmes are available to help people regain their sense of self when life may seem unmanageable,” says Mmoni Aphane, manager of the new facility. 

“With the increasing demand for vital psychiatric services, our aim is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care within a safe environment that is fully dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of the individuals who entrust us with their care.” 

Strengthening mental health in Polokwane and beyond 

The well-appointed Netcare Akeso Polokwane has been designed with future expansion, comfort and energy efficiency in mind, with the first phase comprising 72 adult beds and 15 adolescent beds for inpatient admissions. Outpatient services are also provided, with consulting rooms for psychiatrists, psychologists and allied professionals.

Within 1.5 km of Netcare Pholoso Hospital, a Level II trauma centre, Netcare Akeso Polokwane’s location in the provincial capital makes psychiatric services more accessible to surrounding communities and provides the advantages of synergy between the facilities and their disciplines. 

“Previously, healthcare practitioners in the region referred their patients to Netcare Akeso Arcadia and Netcare Akeso Nelspruit, yet now mental healthcare is available closer to their homes and families. We anticipate referrals from the region and further afield, including neighbouring countries, given the prevailing shortage of mental healthcare facilities equipped to this standard,” Aphane says. 

The new facility offers a core team of experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, supported by skilled and experienced nursing staff.

Comfort and sustainability

The design of the facility incorporates several sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing Netcare Akeso Polokwane’s environmental footprint and improving resource efficiency without compromising comfort, adds Matthew Scott, Netcare Akeso’s infrastructure programme manager.

“Advanced temperature regulation includes a heat recovery system that converts excess heat from the air cooling process to help warm the hot water for showers and taps, thereby reducing the facility’s overall energy demand for water heating. A Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning system further enhances energy efficiency with improved control of ventilation, heating, and cooling, exactly where it is required,” Scott says.

Renewable energy is generated with a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, helping to reduce the facility’s reliance on grid-supplied power and lowering associated carbon emissions. 

“The new facility includes a reverse osmosis filtration plant to treat borehole water to drinking water standards, reducing pressure on municipal resources, further demonstrating Netcare Akeso’s commitment to sustainable operations and responsible resource management,” Scott says. 

Dedication to person centred care

“Our message to the community is that mental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. Seek professional support early if you are concerned about your own mental health or that of a loved one. Early intervention can make a long-term positive difference in a person’s life, and the stability of their relationships and commitments to friends, family and employers,” says Aphane.

To make an appointment with a psychologist, psychiatrist or occupational therapist, contact Netcare Akeso Polokwane on +27 (0)15 324 0040 or download the Netcare app. In the event of a psychological crisis, call Netcare Akeso’s 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787, where experienced registered counsellors are available to listen and advise on support options. 

“We are grateful to partner with a dedicated community of psychiatrists and healthcare professionals who share our commitment to improving mental health outcomes in our province. Together we look forward to making a positive difference to many lives,” Aphane concludes.