Head: Clinical Unit: Obstetrics and Gynaecology REF NO: LRH 02/2026 at KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health

REQUIREMENTS :

• An appropriate Medical and Specialist qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Current registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• At least five years’ experience as a Medical Specialist after registration with the HPCSA in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Competencies:

• Advanced clinical knowledge and specialist expertise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, including high-risk obstetrics, obstetric emergencies and complex gynaecological care.
• Sound knowledge of applicable health and Public Service legislation, policies, clinical guidelines, professional ethics, patient safety and clinical governance requirements.
• Ability to lead, supervise, mentor and teach medical officers, interns, students and members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Strong strategic planning, service development, resource management, communication, negotiation, conflict- resolution, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyse clinical and service data, lead audits and qualify-improvement initiatives, and present clear reports to hospital and district management.

DUTIES :

• Lead, plan, coordinate and monitor a comprehensive specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology service, including antenatal, labour ward, obstetric theatre, inpatient, outpatient and emergency gynaecological services.
• Provide direct specialist care and expert consultation for high-risk, complex and referred patients and ensure appropriate escalation and continuity of care.
• Ensure safe, evidence-based, patient-centred care through approved policies, protocols, standard operating procedures and effective multidisciplinary teamwork.
• Lead maternal, perinatal and gynaecological clinical governance, including morbidity and mortality reviews, patient-safety incident reviews, clinical audits, quality- improvement projects and implementation of corrective actions.
• Coordinate referral pathways, outreach and specialist support to district hospitals and other referring facilities within the hospital’s drainage area, maintain effective liaison with tertiary and central referral services.
• Develop and implement departmental operational plans, service targets, clinical risk controls and performance- monitoring systems aligned with hospital and Departmental priorities.
• Manage and develop the medical workforce through appropriate deployment, duty rosters, supervision, mentorship, leave planning, performance management and succession planning.
• Promote undergraduate, continuing professional development, skills transfer and clinically relevant research.
• Ensure cost- effective stewardship of medicines, blood products, equipment, consumables, theatre time, beds and other scarce resources; identify and escalate critical resource risks promptly.
• Participate in hospital senior-management and strategic activities, support district and provincial programmes, and submit accurate clinical and management reports within required timeframes.
• Participate in the commuted overtime system and provide after-hours consultant leadership according to service needs.