A Clinician Advances to Hospital Administration The Solway Public Hospital, located in regional northern New South Wales, is a small referral hospital with 150 beds. The area is a popular retirement destination, and over the last six years, hospital admissions have increased by 2.5 percent annually, with patients with chronic illnesses and typically over 60 years of age. Furthermore, the state government has discussed privatizing the hospital, which has created uncertainty among hospital staff about the hospital’s long-term plans.

A number of nursing staff have left in this environment, making it difficult to attract new clinical staff, and staff morale has been low. You are a skilled and experienced emergency clinician with over five years of experience at Solway Public Hospital and strong relationships with clinical staff. You enjoy your clinical work but have grown increasingly frustrated with what you perceive to be poor management practices by non-clinicians in the hospital, as well as a lack of clarity in the hospital’s future and resources to ensure the hospital’s effectiveness.

You believe that the local community and all hospital staff require a more stable and supportive culture in order for the hospital to provide health services. The Deputy Director of Clinical Services has decided to resign and devote his full time to his private practice, leaving his position vacant. You want to ensure that clinicians’ voices are heard, so you apply for and are appointed to the position.

Consider the following when analyzing this case study:

What conflicts might you face as you transition into your new role as hospital administrator?

How has your relationship with your previous clinical colleagues changed, and how will you make your new clinical managerial role work effectively given the context and your previous experience?

What insights from the literature and leadership approaches can you draw on to aid in the analysis, guidance, and determination of appropriate strategies?

These questions are only meant to help you think about your response.