BACKGROUND 

Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital (SPH) officially opened on the 6th of July 2010. It was formerly known as Lobatse Mental Hospital started operating in 1938. At first it was an observation centre for forensic patients (mentally ill prisoners) and an observation wing for psychiatric Specialist (in 1969)

to work at Lobatse Mental Hospital, Dr Giuseppe Sbrana who was from Italy.  The meaning of the hospital is in recognition and appreciation of the contribution and legacy of the late Dr Sbrana to development of the mental health in Botswana.

The new hospital is one of the most modern psychiatric hospitals in Africa. It is also the only national referral hospital for psychiatric illness in Botswana. It comprises of 6 complexes: the Day Hospital, Children's psychiatric ward, Forensic ward (for mentally unstable offenders) Rehabilitation ward, observation ward and Psycho-geriatric ward (elderly citizens).

Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital also boasts of a football pitch, athletics pitch, tennis courts and baskets ball courts. There is also a cafeteria, two tuck shops, a hair salon for grooming patients as well as a jungle gym for children.

Botswana's mental Disorder Act was established in 1969 and amended in 1971.