Gauteng Health recruits more than three thousand medical doctors and nurses
In an effort to capacitate employees at public health facilities, the Gauteng Department of Health has from January to August 2016, recruited a total number of 3,256 medical doctors and nurses respectively.
An open ended block advertisement for clinical posts which runs throughout the 2016/17 financial year for all vacant funded posts (doctors and nurses) was released by the department in May 2016. There was a net gain of 2227 nurses by the end of August and 1029 medical practitioners.
The walk-in applications and improvement of working conditions through provision of medical equipment is also contributing to recruitment and retention of staff.
“The availability of health professionals is critical in building an effective health system and contributes towards the attainment of a long and healthy life for all. The Department addresses vacancies through recruitment and training. Gauteng has continued to be a province that produces the highest number of health professionals at its training institutions,” said MEC Qedani Mahlangu.
Leratong Hospital has so far this year lost about 25 staff members in the various categories. Ten resigned for further training, nine retired and six were transferred to other health institutions. However, this has not had any negative impact on patient care as recruitment or filling of vacant funded positions is undertaken as soon as possible.
Steps that are taken to fill all the vacancies at Leratong hospital include: walk in applications that are already in place to enable quicker turnaround time. Also, as part of the retention strategy, there are compulsory debriefing sessions for staff in the ICU, Casualty and Maternity section where there is a very high turnover. The debriefing sessions make it possible for necessary intervention on possible retention of employees accordingly.
Furthermore, to increase the number of health professionals in the province the Department has advertised full time bursaries. The bursaries offers all full-time students and grade 12 learners who have already registered at a recognised higher institution of higher learning and studying health related courses such as MBChB, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and more. Those interested in the bursary should visit the Department’s website for more information. The closing date is 04 November 2016.
For more information please contact:
Spokesperson
Steve Mabona
Cell: 072 574 3860
