Covid-19 drives up hospital admissions for mental illness in Western Cape
The number of patients with mental health conditions discharged from acute hospitals was at a three-year high in August and September
21 October 2021 - 16:52
The Western Cape’s top health official has sounded the alarm about rising rates of mental illness in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, citing a steady increase in the number of people with acute psychotic and behavioural disorders arriving at hospital emergency centres in recent months.
“The entire mental healthcare system was under pressure before Covid-19. What you are seeing now is the impact of three waves [of infection] decreasing access to mental health services, and the rebound effect,” said Western Cape head of health Keith Cloete...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.