MHM Magazine

Issue 2 | 2022 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 29 MHM OrganisationalStructureforGautengDistrictMentalHealthServices(https: /www.spotlightnsp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Robertson-et-al.-2021-Strengthening-district-mental- health-services-in-Gauteng1.pdf) International Association for Psychosocial rehabilitation states that: “You cannot deinstitutionalise people without offering real alternative treatments in the community.” Implementation of integrated community and PHC mental healthcare is not simple. Prof Robertson writes, “Integrated care for people with severe mental illness, who are also likely to have physical health comorbidities and social deprivation, is particularly complex.” The process and its success depends on positive intersectoral collaboration, community care, and money. International experience urges caution and advise creative solutions. South Africa needs a South African solution. STRENGTHENING OF DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN GAUTENG Following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, a spotlight was shone on the need to honour the human and healthcare rights of people with mental illness in South Africa. In May 2018, the Gauteng Department of Health established a task team to advise on the implementation of the Health Ombud’s recommendations and develop a mental health recovery plan. In line with human rights legislation and policy, both in South Africa and internationally, the plan focuses on making mental healthcare inclusive and accessible, and strengthening district mental health services to deliver community-based care. The Mental Health Technical Advisory Committee’s recovery plan, the Gauteng Province Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan 2019 – 2023, was approved on 3 May 2019. INTEGRATION OF CLINICAL SERVICES The National Department of Health’s Integrated Clinical Services Management manual defines Integrated Health Services as: “The organisation and management of health services so that people get the care they need, when they need it, in ways that are user friendly, achieve the desired results and provide value for money.” The patient is the primary focus and care is holistic, multi- disciplinary, and person-centred. According to the Integrated