While retirement at the pinnacle of one’s career could seem a misfortune; it brings pleasure in that, unrestrained by the administrative tasks of working life, more time is left to enjoy one’s passions and leisurely activities. This was the message delivered by Professor Marian Jacobs to outgoing Head of the Western Cape Health Department, Professor Craig Househam on 22 January 2015.

Left to Right: Prof Gregory Hussey, Dr Bhavna Patel, Prof Marian Jacobs and Prof Craig Househam 

To mark his retirement in March, the Department of Medicine, of Groote Schuur Hospital and the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences, invited him to speak at the first Thursday Forum of the year. Presenting a Valedictory Lecture entitled “The Road Well-Travelled!” Professor Househam spoke fondly of his illustrious 40 year career in public service, medicine, academia and management. With a healthy dose of humour he took attendants on a journey through aspects of his personal and public life.

From the highs of working in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of the Free State, to the troublesome period of AIDS denialism, the Professor spoke candidly about his experiences. He imparted the most important lessons learnt as a manager in health services; simplicity, tight fiscal control, effective communication and shrewd management of the interface between the political office bearer and the department.

Looking to the future, Professor Househam expressed hope in the present cohort of young doctors working in the Western Cape. He said he was heartened that young doctors are positive about the future, and their practice in South Africa. Touching on the Healthcare 2030 strategy, he remarked that it provided a stepwise approach to address not only the structural issues but also the softer issues of people and systems.

He added that the greatest challenge to the province was the increasing pressure on a health system that lacked the financial resources to match growing patient numbers. He encouraged all those who hold health and healthcare dear to stand together to ensure that policymakers are aware of the challenges and to ensure that every resource allocated to health is utilised to the best possible effect.

In closing he said that while he would certainly miss his daily challenge of health care management, he was optimistic about the next phase of his life, on a personal level, and for this great and wonderful country in which we live and work. Professor Househam will retire on the 31st of March 2015 after which, his deputy, Beth Engelbrecht will take over his post.

Author: Jaquelyne Kwenda