Director of Clinical Support Services

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Clinical Support Services is a key leadership role that supports the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in overseeing and strengthening clinical support services across CURE’s hospital network. As a licensed physician based in Africa, this individual will focus on standardization, optimization, and quality assurance of Laboratory, Sterile Processing, Biomedical Equipment, Pharmacy, and Procurement services. The role ensures these services align with clinical best practices, patient safety standards, and operational efficiency to support high-quality surgical and medical care. This role serves as the primary liaison between the CMO and hospital-based Managers of Clinical Support Services, ensuring that clinical support services effectively enhance surgical operations, optimize patient flow, and uphold infection control measures. Additionally, the Director will provide technical expertise, training, and strategic guidance to hospital leadership in managing their clinical support departments.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Supporting the Chief Medical Officer in Clinical Operations
   1. Work closely with the CMO to develop and implement strategic plans for clinical support services across the hospital network.
   2. Provide expert recommendations to the CMO on best practices for laboratory services, sterilization, biomedical equipment maintenance, and pharmaceutical management.
   3. Ensure that hospital support services align with CURE’s overall clinical strategy, contributing to improved patient care and surgical efficiency.
   4. Assist in reviewing policies, compliance measures, and accreditation requirements for clinical support services.
2. Standardizing Clinical Support Services Across Hospitals
   1. Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Labs, Sterile Processing, Biomedical Equipment, Pharmacy, and Procurement to ensure consistency across all CURE hospitals.
   2. Oversee the integration of clinical support services into hospital workflows, ensuring smooth collaboration with surgical and medical teams.
   3. Conduct hospital visits and virtual assessments to evaluate efficiency, patient safety, and compliance with CURE Standards.
   4. Identify and implement technology-driven improvements to enhance support services.
3. Staff Training & Clinical Development
   1. Design and implement a training program to ensure clinical support staff are proficient in best practices, safety protocols, and compliance requirements.
   2. Serve as a mentor and clinical advisor to hospital-based Managers of Clinical Support Services, ensuring they understand their role in improving patient outcomes.
   3. Organize training sessions, workshops, and peer learning opportunities to enhance knowledge-sharing across the network.
   4. Work with hospital leadership to ensure proper recruitment and development of clinical support staff.

SERVICE-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Laboratory Services
   1. Ensure that diagnostic labs provide timely, accurate, and high-quality test results to support clinical decision-making.
   2. Standardize testing protocols, equipment usage, and reporting procedures across hospitals.
   3. Work with laboratory teams to maintain compliance with international quality control standards.
2. Sterile Processing & Infection Control
   1. Oversee sterilization protocols to prevent infection risks in surgical procedures.
   2. Ensure hospital teams follow proper instrument decontamination, sterilization, and storage procedures.
   3. Support hospital infection control committees in maintaining a safe patient care environment.
3. Biomedical Equipment & Maintenance
   1. Ensure all medical devices and surgical equipment are well-maintained, properly calibrated, and compliant with safety standards.
   2. Work with network lead and hospital-based biomedical teams to implement preventive maintenance programs and repairs.
   3. Oversee commissioning and installation of new equipment.
4. Pharmacy Services
   1. Implement safe medication management protocols, ensuring proper storage, dispensing, and regulatory compliance.
   2. Oversee training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on best practices in drug safety and supply management.
   3. Monitor medication inventory levels and procurement to prevent shortages and inefficiencies.
5. Medical Supplies & Equipment Procurement
   1. Develop and oversee standardized procurement processes to ensure consistent availability of high-quality medical supplies and equipment.
   2. Work with hospital teams, supply chain teams, and finance departments to optimize purchasing decisions.

QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE

1. Ensure all hospital support services comply with local, national, and international healthcare regulations.
2. Develop and oversee quality assurance programs to maintain high standards of patient safety.
3. Conduct hospital audits and operational assessments, working with the CMO to implement corrective actions.
4. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve clinical support service effectiveness.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & CRISIS MANAGEMENT

1. Assist the CMO and hospital leadership in developing emergency response plans for hospital support services. 
2. Ensure staff readiness to handle crises such as equipment failures, supply shortages, or infectious disease outbreaks.
3. Work with hospital emergency response teams to ensure rapid, coordinated action during crises.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Licensed Medical Doctor (MD, MBChB, or equivalent) required.
2. Postgraduate degree (MPH, MHA, or similar) in healthcare leadership, hospital administration, or public health is preferred.
3. Minimum of 7-10 years of clinical experience, with at least 3-5 years in a hospital leadership or administrative role.
4. Proven experience in managing ancillary hospital services and ensuring clinical compliance.
5. Strong collaborative leadership skills, working closely with CMOs, hospital directors, and clinical teams.
6. Ability to travel frequently across Africa to support CURE hospitals.
7. Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

To learn more about this position with CURE, please read the Director of Clinical Support Services Opportunity Profile.