Adults

Involuntary admissions

Involuntary admissions only occur in specific situations where patients show dangerous behaviour towards themselves or other people and are unable to make an informed decision about their own mental healthcare. We have the facilities and experience to provide empathic specialised care to such patients.

Contact Netcare Akeso Parktown 24/7 crisis line

When is an involuntary admission done?

An involuntary admission is done in the best interest of the patient who is presenting a risk to themselves or others and is unable to make an informed decision about their care. The circumstances leading to this are thoroughly assessed, and always done aligned with the Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002.

Involuntary admission

Involuntary admission is for an initial period of 72 hours during which a psychiatrist monitors the patient to assess their needs. After 72 hours, we can make an informed decision on how to provide the best possible care for the patient going forward. Following this, further recommendations are made.

We cater for involuntary admission at Netcare Akeso Parktown in Johannesburg, one of the few private mental health facilities to offer this service.

View Netcare Akeso Parktown

What to expect

Process for involuntary admission

For more information please contact Netcare Akeso
Parktown on
087 098 0458,
or contact the crisis line on 0861 435 787.

Download involuntary admissions form

When involuntary admission is needed, a very specific process must be followed:

  • Step 1

    The need for the involuntary admission needs to be established. You may be asked about any history of the person's mental illness, the situation that is currently taking place, the person’s willingness to seek mental healthcare and treatment, and any current risks.

  • Step 2

    Form 4 of the Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002 needs to be completed in full, signed, and commissioned. This form is an application for an involuntary admission and outlines the details of the patient, as well as the person making the application. The form can be completed by the next of kin, spouse, family member, associate, parent or guardian of the mental healthcare user. In some circumstances, it can also be completed by a healthcare professional.

  • Step 3

    Once the form is in hand, ambulance services are dispatched. This is necessary as the patient may require assistance or need to be sedated to get them to the mental health facility. At Netcare Akeso, we offer the Netcare 911 service for emergency assistance, you can call on other providers if Netcare 911 is unable to assist promptly.

Mac Netcare

Get in touch

As part of our commitment to providing the best and safest care to all of our patients, we listen. If you have anything you'd like to ask us, or need assistance accessing our services, please get in touch.

Contact us