An analysis of Hotels and its Similarities to the Management of Hospitals: A case study of a Provincial Hospital in South Africa

The South African concept of Provincial Hospitals in South Africa is characterised by the fact that it is managed by the state and its structure, operations and location were predominantly influenced by its historical record and to a large extent the challenges experienced with its management is directly linked to the problems of the past. This specifically has to do with the dire lack of essential resources from financial aligned resources to health care expertise. The stand- off here is against the desperate need for basic health care services from the many millions that have been previously disadvantaged. The ability to close this gap lies in the heart of efficient, effective and economical management of the provincial hospitals. The management of hotels and its link to the management of hospitals becomes significant within this context as essential elements such as hospitality and hospitality practice may be embraced within the management of health care services within South Africa. The paper explores the strong theoretical base of hospitality within hotels and its relevance to hospitals which is premised on service delivery the roots of which are fixed on the efficiencies of management practice. A theoretical model will be explored in respect of its application to the management of provincial hospitals in South Africa. This is further enhanced by a parallel study of a provincial hospital in South Africa which would incorporate amongst other an analysis of its socio-economic and legislative environments.