Construction of mental healthcare facilities in the Western Cape, almost complete
Media Release by Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Health and Wellness
On Friday, 21 February 2025, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, conducted a site visit at the Eerste River Hospital to assess the progress of construction of the new Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU). Set to open later this year, the Eerste River APU is one of several psychiatric units under construction in the province, highlighting the Western Cape Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality mental healthcare.
With an investment of R86 million, the 30-bed APU at Eerste River Hospital will provide essential mental health services to the broader community, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment for individuals in need of specialised psychiatric care.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I am very pleased with the building progress being made to provide dedicated, purpose-built spaces where individuals can receive the care and support they need,” said Minister Wenger. “The APU at Eerste River Hospital, along with others being built across the Western Cape, will play a crucial role in ensuring that mental healthcare is prioritised, reducing the burden on emergency centres and allowing for more effective treatment.”
The Department of Health and Wellness is investing R279 million in the construction of APUs across the province, with similar units being developed at Caledon Hospital (R13 million), Khayelitsha District Hospital (R87 million), and New Somerset Hospital (R93 million). These facilities are designed to provide patients with a dignified and therapeutic space for recovery and treatment while alleviating pressure on general hospital wards.
The careful and mindful design of the APU places patients and their needs at the centre of the facility’s planning. High ceilings, well-ventilated rooms, and double courtyards to maximise natural light were all incorporated to create a tranquil healing environment. Every detail, from the light fixtures to the colour of the walls, has been carefully chosen to enhance the patient experience and safety, while also ensuring a supportive working environment for healthcare staff. A key design element is the separation of patient areas from maintenance and operational spaces, ensuring that care is uninterrupted and patients can focus on their recovery. Additionally, the facility has been built with future expansion in mind, allowing for the possibility of increasing capacity to meet future and growing mental healthcare needs in the region.
“The expansion of healthcare services, including the development of APUs, is a testament to our commitment to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to all communities,” said Minister Wenger. “By investing in mental health infrastructure, we are working towards a healthier and more resilient Western Cape. Despite the financial constraints we face as a province, healthcare remains a top priority, and we are working closely with communities, municipalities, and other departments to streamline and accelerate infrastructure development whenever possible.”
The Western Cape Government remains committed to ensuring that all residents receive the healthcare services they need, with ongoing investments in both infrastructure and human resources to build a stronger healthcare system.
Media Enquiries
Robyn Thomson
Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Health and Wellness Email: robyn.thomson@westerncape.gov.za