Klerksdorp Record, Potchefstroom - Witrand Hospital said goodbye to its psychiatrist and welcomed a new one. Dr Sharon Maitin left the hospital after 14 years. Dr Gopolang Zwide is the new psychiatrist.
Dr Maitin extended special thanks to the nursing staff and encouraged them to continue their advocacy for psychiatry and to provide exceptional care to patients. Reflecting on her departure, Dr Maitin shared that the decision was not due to any dissatisfaction with Witrand, but rather the physical and emotional toll of commuting between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp.
Dr Zwide hails from Tigane. He has experience in treating patients with various mental health conditions, including primary mental health illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, as well as conditions related to substance abuse and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism, and Intellectual disability.
His research interests include child and adolescent psychiatry, transition psychiatry, and the impact of medication non-adherence on psychiatric patients. Dr Zwide has also published research on psychiatric genetic counselling and continues to work towards improving mental health care practices.
His appointment reflects Witrand Hospital’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health services across the region. His expertise, passion for research, and dedication to addressing mental health stigma will no doubt make a lasting impact on the hospital and the communities it serves.
