The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has officially opened a new 30-bed Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at Eerste River Hospital, strengthening access to specialised mental healthcare across the Cape Metro.
The R86 million facility has been built to provide safe, high-quality inpatient care for people experiencing acute mental health crises. The unit features natural lighting, well-ventilated wards, therapeutic courtyards and carefully designed spaces aimed at promoting recovery while ensuring patient dignity and safety.
Provincial Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger said the investment responds to the growing demand for acute psychiatric services in the province. She added that every person experiencing a mental health crisis deserves access to the right care, at the right time, in a healing environment.
The Eerste River Hospital unit is the first of three new Acute Psychiatric Units expected to become operational this financial year. Together with new facilities at Khayelitsha Hospital and New Somerset Hospital, the province will add 90 new acute psychiatric beds, helping more patients receive specialised mental healthcare when they need it most.
By Sikhanyisele Cishe
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