GEORGE NEWS - Kassie Karstens, hospital general manager of Mediclinic George/Geneva and Neuro for the past 10 years, is entering a new era in his life on 1 July when he takes up the role as business partner of Dr John Beneke at the local Easycare private healthcare practices.

Karstens served Mediclinic for 16 years, six of which he was financial admin manager of Mediclinic Bloemfontein. He was appointed at George 10 years ago.

He told George Herald that on the one hand, he is very excited about his new career adventure, but also sad to say goodbye to Mediclinic and his colleagues.

When he started in George in 2014, Karstens had many plans that he was eager to implement as soon as possible, but he soon learned that he first had to build relationships to get buy-in from staff and doctors. 

"I do not think anything could prepare me as a 35-year-old to sit, on day one, with the management team looking at me wide-eyed and waiting for me to start leading; not even to mention the specialists. It was a steep learning curve, but I was fortunate to have wonderful support from my team and my family."

There was no shortage of tough situations to manage, from bomb threats, floods and fires to the Covid pandemic with its vaccination campaigns, and the recent disaster of the Victoria Street building implosion.

"Of course none of these were pleasant, but it is during times like these that one experiences the power of teamwork. I think the pandemic was the worst of all, because of the uncertainty. We came to work along quiet streets, right into the arms of danger, not knowing how we would ever function normally again. 

"I was the one with no medical knowledge, but I had to address our specialists on how we would be managing a pandemic caused by an unknown virus that in the beginning nobody knew for certain how it was spreading. But as many times before, the team around me was strong and we were able to come up with plans and execute them."

He has learned that people are very adaptable. Even on an ordinary day, their plan for the day at the hospital seldom stays the same. 

During the pandemic, plans sometimes changed five times in a day depending on circumstances. "I compare the difficult times always with a veld school - we hated it, but looking back, you realise something good came out of it and you were able to learn a lot about yourself, and from others."

New hospital a highlight

The biggest highlight of his career is the new hospital currently being built. He began motivating it to his head office in his very first year in George. It was approved in 2015, but years of frustration followed the elation as the struggle to get the project approved on suitable land ensued. 

"But this also taught me some valuable lessons. It is sad that I will not be at Mediclinic when it opens, but I will always know of the sweat and grey hairs that the building cost me. I cannot wait to see the final product."

Karstens and his team also managed to recruit quite a number of new specialists for George and acquire equipment needed for complex cases previously referred to Cape Town.

"The best part of my work is to make a difference, and seeing how your team improves, grows and works together - even if nobody is watching - brings a lot of satisfaction. 

"I have learned that you should not be afraid of surrounding yourself with people who know more than you and are cleverer than you. This enables you to learn and develop.

"I am saying goodbye with a heavy heart. This was my home for the past 10 years and I did not have colleagues only, but made true friends. As a team we worked hard, but it was an unforgettable experience."

Excited about future

Karstens says he is looking forward to join Easycare. "I will be able to help deliver quality and affordable service at primary health level. We see so many patients who sometimes wait too long before they get to their GP. 

"I want to help make a difference by ensuring that the Easycare practices function effectively, and at the same time I am looking forward to making faster decisions. 

"Through Easycare's occupational health division, we want to try to get employees back at work faster and in so doing, make a difference in the health of the workforce of the Southern Cape."

Karstens, an accountant, says he is also looking forward to the challenge of making the business grow. "I hope Dr Beneke knows what is coming! I am looking forward to the future, and am very happy to be able to remain in George."

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