Registrar Emergency Department

Health New Zealand - South Canterbury; Timaru; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is expanding its Emergency Department services at Timaru Hospital and inviting registrars or PGY3+ to apply for a registrar (non-training) role. The Timaru ED handles around 22,000 presentations each year and operates with a collaborative team including anaesthesia, paediatrics, and surgery specialists, supported by SMOs on-site.

The successful candidate will join a cohesive team, with rostering designed to balance service needs and lifestyle.

Qualifications

• Open to Registrars and PGY3+ (non-training)

Responsibilities

• Provide ED coverage with a team of specialists and nurses.
• Deliver patient care in a fast-paced ED with support from SMOs.
• Participate in teaching and mentorship culture.

Education

PGY3+

Job description

Registrar (Non-Training) Emergency - Timaru Hospital

• Open to Registrars and or PGY3+
• Central South Island Location (located on the coast and one hour from the mountains)
• Known for Consultant Mentorship and a Strong Teaching Culture

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

Be part of a team that loves what they do –and where they live.

In ED at Timaru Hospital, we’re building a future-focused health system grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – one that delivers partnership, equity, and excellence for all. In South Canterbury, that vision comes to life through a team of dedicated Emergency Department physicians who bring a breadth of experience – and who now choose to call Timaru home.

It's an exciting time with expansion of the service underway and a new registrar tier offering 24/7 shop floor cover with the support of the ED Senior Medical Officers (SMO's) on the floor from 0730-0000 daily with an overnight on call.We are expanding the ED SMO workforce to match and are aiming to ensure a safe and sustainable working life for our ED SMO's.

The Role

Tmaru Emergency Department is dynamic, collegial, and varied – just like the community we serve. With around 22,000 presentations a year, you’ll see everything from everyday emergencies to trauma, supported by inpatient colleagues in Anaesthesia, Paediatrics, Mental health, O&G, General Surgery, Orthopaedics and Internal Medicine.

You’ll join a tight-knit, supportive team of specialists, Medical Officers, and highly skilled ED nurses. We’re proud of our culture: collaborative, welcoming, and flexible. Rostering is designed with people in mind – balancing service with lifestyle and valuing individual preferences.The current roster system is in the process of redesign at the time of advert and will allow for the expanded clinical supervision and on-call component.

The great thing about a smaller hospital is the opportunity to spend time at the patient’s bedside, to work up diagnostics as well as undertake practical skills that brought many of us into Emergency Medicine in the first place.The department has excellent access to imaging to aid clinical decision making.

Our patients often get a consultant delivered service and as a consequence we have one of the lowest admission rates in the country and excellent performance for Shorter Stays in the ED (SSED)

About You

We are seeking individuals with strong general clinical skills and sound judgement, the ability to work effectively within a team in a fast-paced environment, excellent communication skills and a patient-centred approach to care, confidence to take on clinical responsibility with appropriate support, and a commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.

This role is suited to individuals who are passionate and motivated enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive team that values enthusiasm, strong interpersonal skills, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.We value those who bring their enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

Why Timaru?

Forget the traffic jams and sky-high house prices – Timaru offers balance. Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll have skiing, hiking, cycling, and beaches on your doorstep, all while being just two hours from Christchurch and Dunedin.

Join us – not just for the job, but for the team, the lifestyle, and the opportunity to make a real difference in a region that values and supports its people.

Timaru is a place where you can:

• Build your career in a hospital big enough to challenge you, yet small enough to know everyone’s name.
• Enjoy a lifestyle where your commute is measured in minutes, leaving more time for the things you love.
• A number of our ED staff commute to work by foot or bike in a safe town for active commuting with great walking and cycling right on the doorstep of the hospital.

The role is open to applicants who have trained and or worked in New Zealand and comparable health countries. For UK/Irish or Australian applicants please visit the New Zealand Medical Council Website regarding eligibility and the process for registration Registration process | Medical Council