Patient Flow Coordinator, Emergency Department

New Zealand Government; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Palmerston North Hospital is seeking a motivated Patient Flow Coordinator to support efficient ED operations and timely, person-centred care. The role involves coordinating patient movement, liaising with wards and support services, and assisting clinical staff, with a focus on cultural safety and privacy.

Rostered shifts are available at 0.7FTE for on-site work in Palmerston North.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating patient flow in fast-paced healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of privacy and confidentiality in healthcare.
• Ability to work with diverse teams and whānau.
• Understanding of cultural safety.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate patient flow through the Emergency Department.
• Liaise with inpatient wards and support services.
• Act as a point of contact for patients and whānau.
• Maintain accurate patient information across systems.
• Support clinical staff with coordination tasks.
• Contribute to a calm, organised environment.

Skills

Patient flow coordination

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

Patient Flow Coordinator – Emergency Department Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Palmerston North Hospital, Rostered shifts – 0.7FTE

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand is committed to delivering equitable, accessible, and high-quality health services for all New Zealanders. We are seeking a motivated and highly organised Patient Flow Coordinator to join our Emergency Department and support the delivery of safe, timely, and person-centred care.

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

The Patient Flow Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting patient flow and operational coordination within the Emergency Department. Working closely with clinical and non-clinical teams, you will help ensure patients and whānau experience coordinated, efficient, and compassionate care in a fast-paced acute setting. This role is central to supporting effective patient movement while upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the values of Te Whatu Ora.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support patient flow through the Emergency Department
• Liaise with multidisciplinary teams, inpatient wards, and support services to facilitate admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Act as a key point of contact for patients and whānau, providing clear information and reassurance
• Maintain accurate and timely patient information across relevant systems
• Support clinical staff with coordination and administrative activities
• Contribute to a calm, organised, and culturally safe environment

Ō pūmanawa | About You

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise in a high-pressure environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a patient-centred approach
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Previous experience in healthcare administration, coordination, patient flow, or an acute setting is desirable
• Understanding of privacy, confidentiality, and cultural safety in healthcare

Ngā hua | What We Offer

• A meaningful role supporting positive outcomes for patients, whānau, and communities
• A supportive multidisciplinary team within a complex and dynamic clinical environment
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities