Western Cape opens US$4.9M acute psychiatric unit at Khayelitsha District Hospital
The new APU features natural lighting, well ventilated wards and two secure courtyards designed to create calmer surroundings for patients.
SOUTH AFRICA—The Western Cape Government has officially opened a new Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at Khayelitsha District Hospital, expanding access to safer and more dignified care for people experiencing acute mental health conditions.
The 30-bed facility, which cost R87.5 million (US$4.9 million), is the second of three new APUs planned for the Western Cape this year.
The first opened at Eerste River Hospital in July, while the third is expected to follow as part of the province’s efforts to strengthen acute mental healthcare services.
Hospital staff, management, and community members attended the opening ceremony alongside Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger and Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers.
Minister Wenger said the new facility would provide a safer and more appropriate environment for patients, their families, and healthcare workers.
“This space will be a symbol of hope and mean greater dignity and safety for people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” she said.
“Families can feel reassured that their loved ones will receive appropriate treatment in an environment designed to protect their wellbeing and support their recovery.”
Facility designed around patient needs
The new APU features natural lighting, well-ventilated wards and two secure courtyards designed to create calmer surroundings for patients.
The facility also separates patient care areas from operational and maintenance spaces, allowing healthcare workers to provide care with fewer disruptions.
The design follows the approach used at the APU at Eerste River Hospital, where the physical environment forms part of the therapeutic setting.
Sabelo Mbolompo, Chairperson of the Khayelitsha District Hospital Board, welcomed the new facility as an important investment in the community’s health and well-being.
However, he said improving mental health outcomes would require broader community involvement.
“Mental health is everybody’s responsibility,” Mbolompo said.
He called on the community to use the new facility as an opportunity to strengthen efforts to ensure that people can seek mental healthcare without fear or judgement.
Investment in mental healthcare and local development
The Western Cape Government said demand for mental health services has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three APU projects form part of the province’s response to this growing demand and aim to improve both access to services and the environments where acute psychiatric care is provided.
Minister Simmers said the project demonstrated the impact of targeted public investment on healthcare infrastructure and the local economy.
According to Simmers, the facility provides a purpose built environment focused on dignity, safety and recovery.
He also noted that the project exceeded local labour and small business targets, creating economic opportunities for people and businesses in Khayelitsha during construction.
Minister Wenger thanked the infrastructure and health project teams, hospital management, and staff for their role in delivering the new unit.
She said the Khayelitsha facility was the second of three APUs the province would open this year, each intended to provide compassionate, dignified, and appropriate care for people experiencing acute mental health conditions.
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