HEAD CLINICAL UNIT GRADE 1 (RADIOLOGY)

This senior clinical leadership post places a qualified radiologist at the helm of the 24-hour Radiology service at George Regional Hospital, operating within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness’s Rural Health Services directorate. The role is anchored in an ecosystem service model, meaning the incumbent will provide oversight not only to the regional hospital but also extend support to radiology services across the Garden Route and Central Karoo District, collectively known as the Rural East Ecosystem. Working in close collaboration with Groote Schuur Hospital as needed, the Head of the Clinical Unit is expected to ensure that clinical governance systems are robust, consistent, and responsive across the entire referral pathway, and that the radiology functional business unit operates efficiently within the broader public health administration framework.

Candidates must hold an appropriate qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Specialist in Radiology, and they must already be registered with the HPCSA in that category. A minimum of three years’ appropriate experience as a Medical Specialist after registration is required. The post also carries inherent requirements: a valid Code B driver’s licence, the willingness to work commuted overtime limited to 12 hours when operational demands require it, and the ability to work flexible hours in line with clinical workload pressures. Beyond clinical expertise, applicants should demonstrate a strong record in clinical governance, including experience in teaching and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and across disciplines. People management skills are essential, along with analytical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to function effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. Financial and resource management experience, as well as prior experience in management or leadership, is also expected.

The duties are comprehensive and strategically focused. The incumbent will manage the overall performance of the radiology service, taking an ecosystem approach that ensures equitable service delivery across facilities. This includes providing leadership, establishing and maintaining appropriate clinical governance systems, and taking corporate responsibility for the Radiology Functional Business Unit, which encompasses both financial and human resource management. Close co-operation and liaison with other hospital departments and across the Rural East Ecosystem is central to the role, as is serving as a member of the Executive Management Team. The post also requires active participation in research, supervision of junior and senior staff, and teaching of undergraduates and postgraduates as part of a multidisciplinary team.

This is a demanding but impactful position for a radiologist seeking to shape service delivery at a regional level. The post is linked to the institution and facility that forms part of the Ecosystem Service platform; upon appointment, the incumbent will be expected to render clinical services across institutions in the ecosystem as needed to sustain health service delivery. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a practical and competency test. No payment is required when applying for this vacancy, and the post is advertised as part of a circular from the provincial health department.