Managing de-institutionalisation in a context of change : the case of Gauteng, South Africa : review article

Abstract

The paper draws on documentary sources and the author\'s experience as the official responsible for chronic mental health care in Gauteng between 1998 and 2003. An account and assessment of efforts to effect changes to the inherited system of primarily institutional care is presented. While rooted in the reality of Gauteng, these experiences contain lessons for others engaged in policy making and planning in this area of mental health care.

Key words: De-institutionalisation, Policy, Mental health care

South African Psychiatry Review Vol.8(2) 2005: 65-69