The private healthcare provider had housed almost 2,000 long-term, state-funded psychiatric patients at its Life Esidimeni facilities in Johannesburg.
Patients would either be sent home or transferred into the care of community–based nongovernmental organisations, said Mahlangu. At least 36 patients have died following the move.
This week, Mahlangu discussed the department's response to the deaths and why the matter may prompt court cases on both sides.
When people take things to the street as if there is no engagement with the department, it worries me as to what exactly is the intention of this.
A number of patients … because their psych conditions could not be managed at NGOs (nongovernmental organisations), those [patients] were sent to Sterkfontein [psychiatric hospital], to Weskoppies [psychiatric hospital] and some to the Cullinan [care and rehabilitation] Centre.
We've employed additional nurses … and we are also reviewing the amount of money we spend on patient care.
The mental health team would have decided [on] these NGOs. The report we received would say something like: "This NGO qualifies."
A memo delivered to the department asked for a list of the NGOs housing former Life Esidimeni patients and the number of patients who have died. Will you be responding to the demands?
We will respond to the issues that are practical to respond to. One thing that is impossible to do is to share details of family members without their consent — that we can't do. Section27 has asked us for the list [of NGOs and patients].
Section27 wants to sue the department, so they want the list for that purpose. They've said it in our formal meeting with them. They came with their lawyers; we came with ours.
This article was originally published by Bhekisisa, the Mail & Guardian’s Centre for Health Journalism. To read more
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