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- Dr Shaheem de Vries (47) was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, taking the reins from Dr Bhavna Patel, who retired after 23 years of service at the facility.
- His journey in the medical profession kicked off in 1994 when he was enrolled to study a medical degree at the University of Cape Town.
- De Vries also holds a diploma in primary emergency care, a master’s degree in emergency medicine and an MBA from UCT Graduate School of Business.
There is a new sheriff in town and he is ready to lead the staff at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) to even greater heights.
Dr Shaheem de Vries (47) was recently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, taking the reins from Dr Bhavna Patel, who retired after 23 years of service at the facility.
His journey in the medical profession kicked off in 1994 when he was enrolled to study a medical degree at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
De Vries also holds a diploma in primary emergency care, a master’s degree in emergency medicine and an MBA from UCT Graduate School of Business.
He explained he comes from a family of teachers, so studying was always on the cards.
The new CEO’s impressive track record in health-care service includes his previous role as Director of Emergency Medical Services from 2013 until 2022. He was also the Clinical Medical Manager for Emergency Medical Services.
He explained: “The work is different. It gave me unique insights into not just emergency care, but the health-care system and the conditions under which our communities live and seek health care.
“I would like to thank the EMS team for the years they have allowed me to lead them. I enjoyed and learnt so much from them. As I walk into this hospital I am grateful even more. Because you see how the lessons you’ve learnt there are transferable.”
The married father of two said being appointed CEO at the hospital is both “humbling and a privilege”.
“This is not only a hospital, but a symbol. For many people, it is synonymous with good care. There’s also its reputation as a leading innovator in health service delivery. We have among the best in the world working here. For the community, GSH is a symbol of hope.”
He said his vision is to help grow the hospital. “I want to be able to contribute to what is already an amazing facility. There are amazing people in the health system, from the porters to the nurses, all the way to the specialists. Because one is managing a symbol there is an added burden of ensuring one honours that. It was built over more than 86 years, but that doesn’t mean one can’t destroy it in a short space of time.
“I do want to be able to keep the commitment going and ensure we’re still leading innovation on both health care and service delivery.”
De Vries stated he would like to see GSH connect more with the health system and its communities.
“This is the only hospital without a wall around it. Which is not insignificant. It is part of the landscape, part of the city and I’d like to see it integrated more and us more connected.”
His new role does not come without its challenges. The Western Cape health department saw major budget cuts last year, which added extra burden on the health-care system.
“The hospital saw an R200 million budget cut last year. My aim will be to help the team figure out how to ensure patients still access good tertiary services while we deal with substantial reductions in budgets.
“I want to build a relationship with the GSH Trust and board, which have aided us enormously. In the current context, where money is going to be a challenge, having a strong board and trust is something that is invaluable.”
But the doctor said he is ready to get to work and lead the team.
“When one works at a symbol one has to be clear about the reasons for doing so.
“What struck me was how much working at the hospital, per se, was a factor in some people being there. My hope and focus will be on ensuring they never lose sight of that purpose and they feel their work contributes to the greater good.
He thanked his predecessor, who “left a phenomenal team”, and who had served as CEO for 10 years before stepping down last month.
Patel expressed her appreciation to her colleagues, the hospital team and the people of the Western Cape.
“I leave with many fond memories of the last 23 years and have built friendships that will continue forever. I also believe I leave our hospital well-positioned to overcome any challenges and face the many opportunities to remain a national and international leader in health care. It has been a privilege to have served you.”
De Vries said patients should never doubt staff members’ commitment to delivering high-quality care and meeting the needs of the community.
“Sometimes that’s difficult to do when the emergency centre is overrun or the theatre waiting lists are long,” he pointed out. “But that doesn’t mean our commitment is wavering. We ask for patience.
“Do not stop holding us accountable. A hospital as big as this isn’t built only by the people who work here but also the community it serves.”
