Health within its right to discharge mental patients: Court
The Gauteng South High Court has dismissed the urgent interdict brought by SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) which sought to prevent the Gauteng Department of Health from discharging 54 patients and placing them at an NGO, Takalani Home from Life Esidimeni mental institution.
The Court agreed with the Department that it has not reneged on an agreement reached with SADAG and other organisations in December 2015. And as such the Department should continue with its plans to discharge and place those who still need medical care to different facilities.
And contrary to SADAG allegations, the Department has kept everyone concerned informed about plans to place patients at various NGOs as part of winding up services with Life Esidimeni, as the contract with the institution will be coming to an end on June 30, 2016.
As stated previously that the doctors took a decision based on clinical reasons that patients be discharged. The planned placement of patient will be conducted in phases. A concern raised by SADAG that Takalani Home caters for children was not accepted by the Court, since the Department made it clear that children will be separated from adults and placed accordingly.
Gauteng MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu, welcomed the Court findings and assured that the Department will continue to work with various stakeholders. “We welcome the court findings. It should be noted that, we will continue to work with all stakeholders to make sure that no patient will be neglected or thrown on the streets as result of this contract termination,” said MEC Mahlangu.
Enquiries:
Steve Mabona
Cell: 072 574 3860
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