Welcome to the Department of Critical Care
We are a multidisciplinary department specialising in the treatment of critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). At the University of the Free State (UFS), we are privileged to function as an independent department, ideally positioned to advance and promote the evolving subspecialty of Critical Care.
Closed ICUs, under the direction of Intensivists, significantly reduce mortality and morbidity. Increasingly, medical professionals are recognising the importance and value of additional training in this vital discipline at any level of medical practice.
Training
Our department offers an MPhil (Critical Care) degree, wherein fellows train in the subspecialty of Critical Care Medicine and sit for the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa examinations.
Our department also provides training to registrars from other disciplines, such as:
- Surgery
- Anaesthesiology
- Internal Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
This training is conducted during a three-month rotation in Critical Care, which is compulsory for the Surgical disciplines and Anaesthesiology. Our department also provides much of the theoretical training for the Surgical Intermediate Examination.
It is well established that the standard of pre-hospital and pre-ICU care is a critical factor influencing the prognosis of critically ill patients. For this reason, undergraduate and junior doctor training remains a primary focus of our department. There is a growing demand from junior doctors to enhance their skills and experience in critical care before entering private practice or specialising.
Through our comprehensive training and commitment to excellence, the Department of Critical Care plays a vital role in improving the quality of care for critically ill patients across all areas and levels of healthcare in South Africa.
Our Team
Our dedicated team of full-time consultants and medical officers forms the foundation of our clinical service delivery. They are supported by rotating registrars and part-time consultants, whose contributions are essential to our multidisciplinary approach.
Working closely with our skilled nursing staff, administrative personnel, and allied healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists, we form a dynamic, collaborative team committed to the holistic, integrated care of critically ill patients.
Together, we share a passion for excellence, compassion, and teamwork in every aspect of patient management. Please contact the Department of Critical Care for further information on joining our team.