Hasa CEO steps down

The CEO of the Hospital Association of South Africa (Hasa), Kurt Worrall-Clare, has announced his departure from the association, with effect from 28 February 2011.

Worrall-Clare has been with Hasa for 10 years, five of which he served as legal advisor and five as CEO.

"During the past decade, the private hospital industry has played an important role in the South African economy and made great strides in promoting quality healthcare for patients," says Worrall-Clare. "In future, the public and private hospital sectors will work together to provide greater access to quality healthcare for all South Africans. I have every faith that private healthcare will continue to serve South Africans and international patients with dedication, quality and pride."

Hasa chairman Dr Nkaki Matlala says Worrall-Clare guided Hasa through a critical period in healthcare in South Africa. "We value his expertise and involvement in the challenging healthcare environment," says Matlala.

Worrall-Clare will continue to provide medico-legal expertise to Hasa on a consulting basis.

Major restructuring

The board of Hasa, which includes Worrall-Clare, has embarked on a major restructuring which will, among others, enable the industry to strengthen the relationship between the public and private hospital sectors. Worrall-Clare has been instrumental in positioning Hasa in this regard and believes there is significant scope for public and private collaborations.

Matlala said Hasa will continue to seek to work closely with government as the country's healthcare sector undergoes major regulatory changes. "Hasa will position itself to actively participate in policy debate, pursue public private partnerships and play a role in the newly established Office of Health Standards and Compliance. We will also continue to ensure that clinical governance in private hospital practice is elevated to the highest level," he says.

Worrall-Clare says he has enjoyed his time at Hasa and has benefited particularly from his interaction with different stakeholders in the healthcare sector as well as his work with the board of directors.

"I look forward to assisting Hasa in the future," he says. "There are numerous opportunities for South Africa's private hospital sector to provide valuable input into the policy process as South Africa's healthcare system is transformed."

Hasa will announce the appointment of a new CEO in due course.