Physiotherapist – Cardiothoracic and Cardiology

• Christchurch Hospital, Full time permanent role
• Use your acute physiotherapy skills to support patients recovering from cardiac and thoracic surgery and those with complex cardiology conditions

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Physiotherapist to join the team on our Cardiothoracic & Cardiology Ward at Christchurch Hospital. This dynamic ward cares for patients following cardiac and thoracic surgery, chest trauma, as well as individuals admitted with acute cardiac conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction.

In this role, you will provide a mix of respiratory physiotherapy, post-operative rehabilitation, early mobilisation, and functional assessment, working closely with a supportive multidisciplinary team to optimise recovery and independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide physiotherapy assessments for patients after cardiac and thoracic surgery
• Deliver respiratory physiotherapy, including airway clearance and breathing retraining
• Support mobilisation and functional rehabilitation for both surgical and cardiology patients
• Contribute to enhanced recovery pathways for cardiothoracic surgery
• Work with the MDT to plan safe, effective discharge and ongoing rehabilitation needs
• Educate patients and whānau on post-operative precautions, recovery expectations, and self‑management
• Participate in in-services, service development, and clinical quality projects
• Participate in peer review and supervision structure

You will be required to contribute to the weekend and on-call rosters.

About the Team

This role is part of the Christchurch Hospital Physiotherapy team, with over 60 team members across a large range of specialities and more specifically sits within the cardiorespiratory and surgical cluster, a team of approximately 20 physiotherapists. This supportive and development focused cluster strives to bring the best out of each other to deliver the best patient care.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Supportive, experienced senior clinicians and a welcoming acute physiotherapy team
• Access to excellent supervision, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Varied and clinically stimulating caseload with strong skill‑building potential
• Opportunities to develop advanced skills in cardiothoracic and cardiac rehabilitation
• Work in a major tertiary hospital with excellent MDT collaboration
• Live in a region offering an amazing lifestyle

For more information on living and working in Canterbury click here

About you

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate the following:

• 3+ years’ clinical experience, including experience in Cardiothoracics
• Acute hospital inpatient experience
• New Zealand Registered physiotherapist with current APC
• Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including how to apply Te Tiriti principles in a meaningful way in your role
  

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 service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 18th February 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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