Aurora Addiction Recovery Centre and Bloemcare Psychiatric Hospital have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the treatment of patients experiencing both mental health disorders and substance use challenges.
According to Bloemcare Psychiatric Hospital manager Barbara Steenkamp, the partnership marks an important step toward more integrated care.
She says the agreement recognises that mental health and addiction are often interlinked and must be treated through a coordinated clinical approach to improve patient outcomes.
“Current research and clinical experience indicate that more than 70% of individuals seeking treatment for either substance abuse or mental health conditions present with a dual diagnosis – meaning they experience both simultaneously. This underscores the importance of a holistic treatment model that addresses the full scope of a patient’s needs.”
Steenkamp explains that through the collaboration, the multidisciplinary teams at both institutions will work closely to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care. “By combining expertise in psychiatric services and addiction recovery, the partnership will enhance the effectiveness of treatment interventions and continuity of care,” she adds.
Director Aurora Addiction Recovery Centre, Marietjie Landsberg says the centre plays a critical role in this collaboration as the only inpatient rehabilitation facility in the region registered with the Department of Social Development to provide non-acute medical detoxification for substance users. “This specialised service will significantly support the Multidisciplinary team at Bloemcare Psychiatric Hospital, registered with the Department of Health, enabling more effective stabilisation and ongoing treatment of patients with psychiatric needs.”
With decades of combined experience and an established footprint in their respective fields, both institutions bring significant expertise to the collaboration.
“By working together, we can ensure that patients receive integrated care that addresses both their mental health and substance use challenges in a meaningful and sustainable way,” Landsberg concludes.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
