Nominees call for hospital boards

Members of the public have one month to nominate their favourite community builders to serve on 30 boards of district and specialised hospitals in six districts in the province.

Sound-minded critical thinkers in youth and women’s organisations, faith and business groups, those involved in traditional health groups, as well as persons living with disabilities with a good understanding of hospital health systems are being sought by the provincial department of health to add value to healthcare service delivery.

The nominated candidates who meet a list of basic minimum requirements will serve on boards for the hospitals in the Amathole, Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, Alfred Nzo and O R Tambo municipalities and Buffalo City Metro.

An advert sent out by the department this week stated that nominated members would have to be active in redressing “unacceptable behaviour and unconstitutional conduct in hospitals”.

Department spokesperson Lwandile Sicwetsha said the boards were renewed every three years, and their role was to ensure continuous accountability and reporting of hospital matters to the health MEC.

Sicwetsha said the boards would have to develop strategies to bring additional funding into the hospitals, as well as monitor delivery of services.

He said the board members would also inform hospitals of their communities’ needs.

Candidates can be nominated until September 25. Forms are available at the hospitals.