ABSTRACT
The roles of the clinical director and medical director are complementary but with distinct differences (Boxes 11.2 and 11.3).
Box 11.2: The clinical director
Clinical directors are responsible for:
• management of the appropriate clinical area
• all staff within the directorate (excluding 'direct' management of consultants)
• the budget of the directorate
• the quality and effectiveness of the service
• business planning
• marketing and strategic development
Box 11.3: The medical director
The medical director is responsible for:
• providing medical advice to the Trust board/chief executive
• medical strategic development of the Trust
• ensuring the introduction of effective new therapies
• the education and training of medical staff
• policies and procedures relating to medical staff employment, including health and safety, remuneration and discipline
• liaising with purchasers over provision of appropriate medical services
There are many other staff groups within the hospital environment that are, directly or indirectly, essential for patient care (Box 11.4).
