April 04, 2024

The Mitchells Plain Transitional Care Facility is easing the strain on hospital services

The establishment of a new Transitional Care Facility in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, is easing the burden on the acute hospital system. With 148 beds, this facility offers intermediate care to patients who are stable but not yet ready for discharge, without overwhelming acute care services.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has historically provided intermediate care through non-profit organizations (NPOs). The introduction of the Transitional Care Policy in 2022 marks a significant step forward, building upon the previous intermediate care policy of 2012 and incorporating lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Currently, the Western Cape boasts 539 transitional care beds in urban areas and 353 in rural districts. These services are funded under the Sub-acute, Step Down, and Chronic Medical Hospitals sub-program, with a budget allocation of R469.875 million for the 2024/25 fiscal year.
At the Mitchells Plain Transitional Care Facility, the Department partners with the NPO Aquarius to deliver services such as short-stay intense rehabilitation, wound care, end-of-life care, post-acute care, and palliative care, alongside family guidance and health education.
Fatima Peters, CEO of the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre overseeing metropolitan transitional care services, emphasizes the role of transitional care in relieving pressure on acute hospitals, especially post-pandemic. These facilities assemble multidisciplinary teams, including rehabilitation and community care workers, to deliver comprehensive care packages.
In light of budget constraints, Health and Wellness MEC Nomafrench Mbombo stresses the strategic importance of transitional care in strengthening the healthcare system. With acute services facing immense strain, transitional care facilities like Mitchells Plain play a vital role in the department's service redesign efforts, aiming to enhance efficiency, equity, and quality of care across the province.
Already, 140 patients have been admitted to the facility, highlighting its immediate impact on patient care and hospital capacity.