Abstract
This article examines the appropriateness of applying the South African Excellence Model for Public Service Performance Excellence in developing a strategy for the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) to enhance Military Health Service delivery and performance excellence. The need for a strategy to improve Military Health Service delivery and performance excellence was theoretically, empirically and practically informed by different strategic imperatives. The production of the White paper on the Transformation of the Public Service by the South African Department of Public Service and Administration highlighted one of the main reasons for undertaking a study of this nature. The White Paper provided a framework to enable public services to develop performance excellence strategies. The results achieved by the application of the South African Excellence ModeI for Public Service Performance Excellence Self-assessment Questionnaire provide potential benefits for the SAMHS to enhance Military Health Service delivery and performance excellence. The Excellence Model identifies SAMHS strengths and areas for improvement based upon well-established internationally accepted theoretical frameworks and recognised criteria for performance excellence. From this study it is inferred that determining Military Health Service performance excellence continues to be a challenge. It became evident that applying the South African Excellence Model for Public Service Performance Excellence as an integrated self-assessment framework within the SAMHS as a public service health care organisation could be the starting point for a regular strategic planning process within the organisation and could ensure continuous improvement in the performance excellence levels of Military Health Service organisations.
Prof. J Uys