Rural Hospital Medical Specialist

Health New Zealand; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Ashburton is looking for a Rural Hospital Medical Specialist to deliver integrated rural health services. The role involves overseeing patient care, supporting RMOs, and participating in a 365/7 on-call roster. Ideal candidates will hold registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. This role offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for community engagement.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Strong collegial support

Access to outdoor recreation

Qualifications

• Be a Rural Hospital Medical Specialist or have comparable experience.
• Hold or be eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Demonstrate leadership in medical education and continuous service development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver best-practice rural hospital services across Ashburton Hospital.
• Oversee patients in the Acute Assessment Unit and inpatient wards.
• Supervise and support RMOs with educational involvement.

Skills

Leadership in team-based care

Strong communication skills

Commitment to equity

Rural clinical excellence

Education

Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand

Fellow of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine

Job description

Ashburton Hospital, Canterbury, New Zealand

Permanent and fixed-term options available

We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive

Why this is a great role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Rural Hospital Medical Specialist (RHMS) to join our collaborative and supportive team in Ashburton. You will play a vital role in delivering integrated rural health services, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living in a welcoming community with easy access to skiing, hiking, biking, and water sports.

About the role

As a Rural Hospital Medical Specialist, you will:

• deliver best-practice rural hospital services across Ashburton Hospital, Tuarangi Home, and wider community settings
• oversee patients in the Acute Assessment Unit and inpatient wards
• supervise and support RMOs, including active involvement in education using our state-of-the-art Simulation Suite
• provide leadership in clinical quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement initiatives
• contribute to the development of an integrated model of care that strengthens collaboration across primary, secondary, and tertiary services
• participate in the 365/7 on-call roster for SMOs and work closely with general practices and hospitals in Christchurch, Burwood, and Timaru.

About the Team/Service/Location

Ashburton Hospital services the Mid-Canterbury Region and is an easy one-hour commute from Christchurch. The hospital delivers integrated rural health services to over 34,000 residents and serves as a key regional hub for acute assessment, inpatient care, and aged residential services.

Benefits include the following:

• Work in a close-knit, multidisciplinary team committed to rural healthcare
• Opportunities to shape the future of medical education and rural innovation
• Flexible working arrangements and strong collegial support
• Live and work in a friendly community with excellent access to outdoor recreation

About you

To be successful in this role, you will:

• be a Rural Hospital Medical Specialist, or have comparable experience
• hold (or be eligible for) registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• be a Fellow of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine, or a Fellow close to vocational registration who is working towards completion
• demonstrate leadership in team-based care, medical education, and rural clinical excellence
• display strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to equity and continuous service development

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to apply

To apply, please click 'apply now'. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amy Walker, Recruitment Specialist [e-mail] or Dr John Lyons, Clinical Director [e-mail]

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website.

For more information, please contact Amy Walker, Recruitment Specialist [e-mail]