Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town has acknowledged the concerns raised by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following an oversight visit to its psychiatric ward, highlighting issues such as infrastructure problems, vandalism, and staffing shortages.
On February 21, 2025, the SAHRC’s Western Cape Provincial Office (WCPO) conducted a routine monitoring visit to Groote Schuur Hospital as part of its mandate under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). The focus was on the psychiatric ward, identified as a “place of deprivation of liberty” due to the nature of care provided.
Concerns Raised by the SAHRC
During the visit, the SAHRC found that the psychiatric unit had a functioning complaints mechanism with adequate staff support, which ensures that patient grievances are addressed. However, a few issues were noted regarding the hospital’s infrastructure, particularly burst pipes causing leaks into patient living areas. These leaks were reported to impact the living conditions of patients, though the hospital has assured that regular maintenance is underway to repair the damages.
Infrastructure and Maintenance Challenges
Groote Schuur Hospital spokesperson Dwayne Evans addressed these issues, noting that the hospital’s Old and New Main Buildings are approaching 90 and 60 years of age, respectively, resulting in frequent maintenance needs. The ongoing challenge is further complicated by incidents of vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure, which create additional risks for both patients and staff.
Despite these challenges, Evans emphasized that maintenance work continues, and additional measures are being explored to enhance the resilience of the facility. The hospital is also addressing the nationwide shortage of specialized psychiatric nurses, which has impacted many healthcare institutions, Groote Schuur included.
Recruitment and Training Efforts
To address staffing shortages, the Western Cape Department of Health has initiated several recruitment processes to increase the number of specialist nurses. They are also enhancing the skills of general nurses through in-service training, ensuring that mental health patients receive proper care. Additionally, initiatives like the Very Important Pensioners (VIP) program are designed to attract retired specialist nurses back into the workforce.
Ongoing Commitment to Improvement
Evans concluded that while challenges remain, Groote Schuur is committed to creating a safe and dignified environment for patients. The hospital is working closely with the SAHRC to address these concerns and ensure that future visits will show progress in resolving these issues.
In response to the SAHRC’s oversight, Groote Schuur Hospital remains committed to transparency and continuous improvement, with ongoing efforts to provide the best possible care for its patients despite the infrastructure and staffing challenges it faces.
