Determined to make a difference

‘HELPING people by lending a helping hand becomes a way of life and it starts with me.’

With that philosophy, new Bay Hospital GM, Alan Abrahams is determined to continue nurturing and building the good relationships that exist between the hospital and the people of the City of uMhlathuze and surrounds.

Having been in the hospital industry with Netcare since November 2000, holding various positions in Johannesburg at four different hospitals before arriving in Richards Bay in April, Abrahams – who originally hails from KZN – is ‘delighted to be back at home and close to my family’.

‘It’s different from a big city but at the same time a welcome relief from the rat race.

‘The hospital stands out as a beacon, being the tallest building in Richards Bay, and can be seen from everywhere, which makes one proud to be a part of it.

On giving value for money at a time when medical care is becoming financially prohibitive for many, Abrahams says: ‘Ensuring quality outcomes together with our doctors while maintaining a high level of service is paramount, as are compassion and care for patients and the community we serve through our doctors and staff.’

A self-described ‘passionate person’, Abrahams is well aware of the need to adjust to his new environment.

‘Every facility has its own challenges and uniqueness, and assessing the current status would be my first concern, to better understand and prioritise the needs for improvement.’

And he is excited about as yet unveiled future plans for the Bay Hospital: ‘There are potential growth possibilities which have already been considered and require approval, which are still too early to communicate.’

On the personal level, he favours active pastimes such as cycling, diving and more recently learning to kite surf, but also enjoys reading.

Unmarried, he is immensely proud of his daughter who is completing her university studies in Cape Town.