MANAGER: MEDICAL SERVICES GRADE 1 West Coast District

This position is a senior medical management role within the Western Cape Department of Health, based at Citrusdal Hospital in the Cederberg Sub-district of the West Coast District. As the Manager: Medical Services Grade 1, the incumbent will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all health services across the Cederberg Sub-district, which includes both primary health care (PHC) facilities and district hospital services. The role is situated within a broader ecosystem of health service platforms, meaning the successful candidate will be expected to provide managerial and clinical services not only at Citrusdal Hospital but also across other institutions within the ecosystem as needed to sustain service delivery. This is a demanding leadership position that requires a strong business orientation combined with proven clinical management skills in a health-care environment.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Practitioner, and they must be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. In addition, a minimum of three years of appropriate experience as a Medical Officer after registration with the HPCSA is required. The role also demands certain inherent qualities, including a willingness and the essential skills to perform after-hours work, as well as a valid Code B/EB driver’s licence. Candidates should demonstrate proven management competencies specific to a health-care setting, sound knowledge of managing clinical services, and computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet. Strong business acumen and the ability to manage a health service clinically are central to success in this post.

The core duties of the position are wide-ranging. The manager will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of all health services in the Cederberg Sub-district, ensuring that clinical services are safe and comply with the professional laws of the country. This includes establishing systems to manage risk and quality, supporting a patient-centred experience, meeting national core standards and ideal clinic criteria, and improving information management. The role also requires effective and efficient utilisation of allocated human, financial, infrastructure and health technology resources to support service delivery across all health service platforms in the sub-district. Furthermore, the manager must promote community involvement in the management of hospital and clinic services and ensure the active functioning of the Hospital Board.

This is a Grade 1 post within the OSD framework, and the package is structured accordingly. Applicants should note that no payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Candidates may be subjected to a competency test, and shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a practical test. The post is advertised through the relevant circular, and interested individuals are encouraged to prepare for a rigorous selection process. This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced medical practitioner to shape the delivery of health services in a rural sub-district, combining clinical oversight with broader managerial responsibilities.