We are pleased to welcome Michelle de Goede as guest speaker at our first meeting of 2025. Michelle will explain what happens after a mentally ill patient (or “mental health care user”) is admitted to hospital for care, treatment and rehabilitation in terms of the Mental Health Care Act (MHCA).

She will cover the processes which apply during their hospital stay as well as the different circumstances under which they may or must be discharged – including the optional discharge of involuntary patients into the care of a custodian – and what follow up treatment and facilities they can expect after discharge. She will highlight the role of the Mental Health Review Board in protecting the interests of the hospital patient. She will also touch on some of the challenges the family is likely to face when the patient returns home from hospital.

This is a follow up to Michelle’s very well-received talk on Hospital admissions under the Mental Health Care Act, given at our July 2024 meeting. See the Past meetings section below, to view the video recording or download her presentation.

Michelle has worked in the community-based mental health sector for over 30 years, of which more than 20 years have been as the Director of Comcare Trust. In parallel, Michelle has served in various capacities on the Western Cape Mental Health Review Board for the last 20 years. She was a founding member of the Review Board at its inception in 2005 when the MHCA was implemented, and has served as its Chairperson for the last 9 years.

We are confident that this will be a most informative and helpful talk.

Please click on the button below for the Zoom link.

 For background information before the meeting, please visit the Mental Health Care Act or Hospital admission topics on our Resources page.