Khayelitsha District Hospital has opened a new Acute Psychiatric Unit, the second of three new facilities opening in the Western Cape this year.
Cape Town, South Africa (09 September 2026) – The R87.41 million unit follows the opening of the first APU at Eerste River Hospital in July and has been built for patients experiencing acute mental health conditions.
The new facility includes naturally lit, well-ventilated wards, two secure courtyards and patient areas that are planned around safety, privacy and recovery. The patient care areas are also separate from operational and maintenance spaces, which gives patients more privacy while they receive treatment.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger says the improved environment will make a difference to patients, families and healthcare workers.
“This space will be a symbol of hope and mean greater dignity and safety for people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Families can feel reassured that their loved ones will receive appropriate treatment in an environment designed to protect their wellbeing and support their recovery.”
Demand for mental health services has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, adding pressure to already stretched hospitals and psychiatric services. The three new Acute Psychiatric Units form part of the Western Cape Government’s response to increase psychiatric capacity and improve the conditions in which patients receive the care they need.
“As the Khayelitsha District Hospital Board, we welcome this APU and recognise it as an important investment in the health and wellbeing of our community. However, no facility can address this challenge alone. Mental health is everybody’s responsibility. Let the opening of this APU strengthen our collective commitment to building a Khayelitsha where people can seek help without fear or judgement,” says Sabelo Mbolompo, Chairperson of the Khayelitsha District Hospital Board.
The project also created job opportunities for local workers and small businesses during construction.
“…This project directly empowered the local economy, exceeding our local labour and small business targets to ensure that the construction process truly benefited the Khayelitsha community.” says Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers.
“This is the second of three important Acute Psychiatric Units that we will celebrate this year. Each represents our commitment to ensuring that people experiencing acute mental health conditions receive compassionate, dignified and appropriate care,” says Minister Wenger.
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