Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by David Masoeu MPL and Afrikaans soundbite by David Mc Kay MPL. See attached pictures here, here and here.
The DA is concerned by the troubling conditions under which Mental Health patients live at Free State Psychiatric Complex (FSPC). The DA conducted oversight at the Institution after disturbing reports emerged, especially after photos exposed the depressing situation at the hospital.
A crucial challenge that patients have to endure daily includes the chronic shortage of personnel. The Department of Health has for years failed to fill critical vacant posts despite yearly budgeting for such positions. Nurses, pharmacy services, personnel and emergency services personnel are the most affected. Furthermore, security personnel are not adequate for the institution that is vulnerable to vandalism. Both patients and staff are also vulnerable to crime.
Infrastructure has deteriorated despite the Department’s assurance that the maintenance budget includes repairs and a maintenance plan is in place for the Institution while some buildings need to be declared unsafe for occupation.
Failure by the Department of Health to implement its own resolutions is an infringement on the key purposes and core goals of the Mental Health Act.
These issues should be treated with the urgency they deserve. Buildings are continually being flagged by the Department of Labour and closed down because of failure to comply with the health and safety framework.
The Free State Psychiatric Complex building is clearly at the state that intervention by the Department of Labour is required.
The DA will request a clear maintenance implementation plan with time frames through the Free State Legislature in order to safeguard the rights of mental health care patients and staff.