Thoughts on the JOB – CMD of our National Hospital

Chikwe Ihekweazu

14 years ago

A few days ago we posted a blog on the job for the CEO/CMD for Nigeria’s premier public hospital – The National Hospital, Abuja. This hospital is cherished so much as a national treasure that it is not managed by the Ministry of Health but directly under the presidency. We have written in detail in the past on the unfulfilled expectations of our National Hospital. The present CMD; Dr Olusegun Ajuwon got into the position after transitioning from being the personal physician to our erstwhile President, General Olusegun Obasanjo. He has known many a controversy and the hospital has remained shadow of its beautiful exterior.

So …when we saw that there was a public advert for the position – we were indeed glad and put it up on our blog.

But since then – we have wondered about several aspects of the Job Description.

1. Why does the manager have to be a medical doctor? If we need the best manager – then we should allow the best manager for the job! Nothing I learnt in medical school has prepared me for the management responsibilities I have, and I do not see how it will prepare for this job! Indeed this might be the reason our hospitals are so poorly managed! We all loose if our best surgeons, who have never managed more than their clinical teams leave clinical practice where they are desperately needed to “manage” our hospitals. I m also not saying that pharmacists, nurses or any other professional is better suited, nor do I suggest “rotation” in typical Nigerian fashion. If we need a manager – we should seek a manager.

2. Why do the candidates have to send in Fifteen (15) copies of his/her written application with detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume)??? In 2010 can our presidency not set up a simple online application process?

3. Why do the need to know “Number of Children with Age”

etc etc etc ….

Find below Chief Exec JD for an “ordinary” hospital in the UK. Really its not rocket science! We can do more…

Employer: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Posted: 11 Feb 2010
Reference: AMM/29655/HSJ
Location: Lincoln
Position Type: Permanent
Job Function: Executive – Chief Executive
Sector: Acute Trust
Position: Chief Executive
Salary: Substantial package

Apply online

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the largest acute trusts in the country, providing services to a population of 700,000 across Lincolnshire from four main hospitals and several smaller sites. With a turnover in excess of £350m and over 7,500 staff the Trust has made significant progress over the last three years despite increasing pressure on hospital services. As it moves toward becoming a Foundation Trust in a challenging financial climate, it requires an ambitious individual that can provide exceptional strategic vision whilst prioritising delivery of innovative and high quality patient-centred care.

The Role:

• Develop and build the existing high calibre executive team and work with the Board to ensure the effective delivery of first class healthcare services.

• Develop and maintain public confidence and a positive image for the Trust through effective communications with staff, patients and external partners.

• Lead the strategic development of the Trust, ensuring it is successful in its Foundation Trust application and takes advantage of the opportunities this will bring.

The Candidate:

• Considerable experience of leadership as Chief Executive at Board level within a comparable organisation.

• Strong strategic and business planning skills, combined with the ability to lead and inspire teams to perform at the highest level.

• Innovation and performance focussed with superb interpersonal skills, the ability to inspire, motivate and deliver results through influence.

Please see the ‘Apply’ button for a candidate brief containing application details, or contact us quoting reference AMM/29655/HSJ. Closing date for applications is 5th March 2010.

http://www.nigeriahealthwatch.com/

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has…Margaret Mead