Quality Assurance Manager: Central Hospital (Permanent position)

This permanent position of Quality Assurance Manager at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory offers an experienced health professional the opportunity to provide strategic and operational leadership across quality assurance, clinical governance, risk management, patient safety and occupational health and safety within one of South Africa's foremost central hospitals. The role sits at the heart of the hospital's efforts to strengthen the quality, safety, effectiveness and accountability of care across all clinical, administrative and institutional management functions, and requires someone who can drive meaningful service improvement across a complex public health environment.

Candidates must hold a four-year National Diploma or Degree in Health Sciences, or an equivalent qualification, that is registerable with a South African Statutory Health Professions Council or the South African Nursing Council. In addition, the post requires appropriate experience in quality assurance, risk management and health service governance, together with management experience within a hospital environment. Practical exposure to patient safety, complaints management, adverse incident management, clinical audit, occupational health and safety, service improvement and personnel management is also essential. A valid Code EB/B driver's licence is an inherent requirement of the job.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive knowledge of health service delivery systems, clinical governance, patient safety, risk management and occupational health and safety, as well as a sound understanding of the legislation, policies, norms, standards, compliance tools and reporting requirements applicable within the public health sector. Strong leadership, management, communication, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills are critical, as is the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence service improvement, manage change and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Computer literacy is required, including the ability to maintain, analyse and interpret databases and reports, and proficiency in MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

In terms of key responsibilities, the Quality Assurance Manager will develop, implement, monitor and evaluate systems that enhance care quality and safety across the hospital. This includes leading and coordinating quality improvement initiatives such as the complaints and compliments system, adverse incident reporting, morbidity and mortality review processes, clinical audits, patient satisfaction surveys and waiting time surveys. The post holder will analyse data and service trends to identify risks, gaps and areas for improvement, and will ensure that appropriate corrective action plans are developed, implemented and monitored. The role also supports outbreak investigations, infection prevention and control surveillance, occupational health programmes and compliance with relevant legislation and standards. The manager will develop, review and implement policies, protocols, standard operating procedures and reporting systems that promote safe, effective, equitable and patient-centred care, while providing technical advice, training and support to departments and multidisciplinary teams. Fostering a culture of quality, accountability, learning, responsiveness and continuous improvement across the hospital is a central part of the role, and occasional duties outside normal working hours may be required.

The advertised remuneration is an annual salary package with service benefits, and a practical or competency test may form part of the shortlisting or interview process. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned quality assurance professional to make a significant impact at a leading academic hospital.