Physiotherapist – Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

• Permanent Part-time – 0.4 FTE (16 hours per week)
• Work in a high-acuity ICU environment delivering expert physiotherapy care with a consistent and flexible work pattern
• Based at Christchurch Health Campus

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 motivated Physiotherapist to join our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Christchurch Hospital on a 0.4 FTE basis (16 hours per week).

This role provides physiotherapy care for critically unwell patients across a wide range of conditions, including medical, surgical, trauma, and cardiothoracic presentations. You will play an essential role in delivering respiratory physiotherapy, early mobilisation, and rehabilitation, working closely with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.

The Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Hospital provides tertiary-level care for critically unwell patients from across Waitaha Canterbury and Te Waipounamu. Physiotherapists are integral to the ICU team, supporting respiratory management, early rehabilitation, and recovery. As part of Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, we are committed to delivering equitable, high-quality care grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Working Pattern

• Standard working days are Monday and Tuesday

• Every fourth week, the roster shifts to Sunday and Monday

This predictable pattern offers consistency while supporting service coverage across the week and there is some flex to negotiate an altered pattern to above which could include Wednesdays.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver physiotherapy assessment and treatment for critically unwell patients in ICU
• Provide respiratory physiotherapy, including airway clearance and ventilatory support techniques
• Facilitate early mobilisation and functional rehabilitation
• Work collaboratively with intensivists, nursing staff, and allied health colleagues
• Support safe transitions of care from ICU to ward environments
• Educate patients and whānau where appropriate
• Participate in ongoing service development and professional learning
• Support education, mentoring, and supervision of rotational physiotherapists and students

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 roles across a large range of specialties 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

• Work within a supportive, highly skilled ICU physiotherapy team
• Access to regular supervision, mentoring, and professional development
• Exposure to complex and rewarding tertiary-level care
• A stable part-time role with a clearly defined work pattern
• Be part of a collaborative, values-driven service
• 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:

• Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and a current APC
• Experience in acute respiratory or ICU physiotherapy (preferred)
• Strong clinical reasoning and confidence managing complex patients
• The ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A proactive, patient-centred approach
• 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 | Te Whatu Ora

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 5th July. 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,  we encourage you to apply early.

Position description Apply now

Share