Physiotherapist Expert - ED

• Christchurch Hospital, part time 32 hours a fortnight (0.4 FTE) permanent role
• Designated Expert role – Salary starting at $117,420
• Use your advanced musculoskeletal assessment and decision‑making skills to support timely, effective care for patients presenting to a fast‑paced tertiary Emergency Department

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 seeking an experienced and confident Physiotherapist to join our Emergency Department (ED) team at Christchurch Hospital. In this role, you will work autonomously within the ED environment to assess, diagnose, and manage musculoskeletal and mobility‑related presentations, supporting rapid decision-making and improving patient flow.

This service plays a key role in providing expert physiotherapy input at the front door of the hospital, supporting safe, effective, and early intervention for patients with acute injuries, functional concerns, respiratory needs, or complex discharge requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide “primary contact” physiotherapy assessment and diagnosis within the ED
• i.e. lead cases following nursing triage with no medical pre-assessment
• Manage acute musculoskeletal injuries, functional mobility issues, falls, frailty, and respiratory needs
• Support early discharge planning and contribute to streamlined patient flow
• Work collaboratively with ED medical staff, nurses and allied health colleagues
• Provide patient and whānau education to support safe self‑management
• Contribute to service development, guideline creation, and quality improvement initiatives
• Maintain accurate documentation and communicate effectively within a fast-paced environment
• Participate in service development, audits, and quality improvement initiatives
• Supervise and mentor rotational physiotherapists and final year physiotherapy students
• Participate in peer review and supervision
  

The ED Physiotherapy service has an extended hours roster from 0730 – 2000, including weekends and public holidays. It is expected this role will contribute towards this extended hours service, including weekends and public holidays.

Worked time at the weekends and public holidays incurs penal rates.

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 Musculoskeletal & Paediatric cluster, a team of approximately 20 physiotherapists. This cluster is a skilled and collaborative team that prides itself on high‑quality, evidence‑based care and a culture of mutual support delivering effective physiotherapy across diverse clinical settings.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• A dynamic and highly supportive ED and physiotherapy team 
• Opportunities to expand advanced practice skills in assessment, diagnosis, and decision-making 
• Access to supervision, mentoring, and ongoing professional development 
• Varied, fast-paced caseload in a major tertiary emergency department 
• A collaborative, values‑driven environment committed to high-quality patient care 
• Live in a region offering an amazing lifestyle

   For more information on living and working in Canterbury click here

About You

You will hold NZ Registration and a current APC as well as be able to demonstrate the following: 

• 5+ years’ clinical experience 
• Significant clinical experience in musculoskeletal, emergency, orthopaedic, or acute hospital physiotherapy
• Strong autonomous clinical decision‑making, diagnostic reasoning, and communication skills
• Ability to build rapport quickly with patients and whānau in high‑pressure situations 
• A flexible, proactive approach and confidence working in unfamiliar or rapidly changing scenarios 
• 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 Tuesday 5th May. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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