Administrators see that health services centers operate efficiently and provide adequate medical care to patients. Their responsibilities are varied and usually require the cooperation of assistant administrators and the medical and support staff. Administrators of large centers act as liaisons between governing boards, medical staff, and department heads and integrate the activities of all departments into a smooth-functioning whole.
Administrators also direct the recruitment, hiring, and training of personnel.
Other activities include fiscal operations such as budget planning, accounting, and rate-setting for health services. In addition, administrators develop and expand programs and services for scientific research, preventive medicine, and medical and vocational rehabilitation. In small facilities, the administrator is in charge of all departments. Health care centers operate around the clock seven days a week, and the administrative staff may be called upon to solve emergency problems at any time. Medical staff meetings, health planning councils, fund raising, and professional association and educational activities all may demand extra time and travel.