Physiotherapist Orthopaedic Trauma Unit

• Christchurch Hospital, full time, parental leave cover (20/4/26 – 31/12/26)
• Deliver high-quality physiotherapy care to patients recovering from acute orthopaedic trauma and spinal cord injury in a busy tertiary hospital setting

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 a motivated and clinically capable Physiotherapist to join our Orthopaedic Trauma Unit at Christchurch Hospital. This service provides acute care and rehabilitation for patients with a wide range of traumatic orthopaedic injuries, including fractures, polytrauma, complex post-operative presentations and acute spinal cord injury.

In this role, you will work within a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team to deliver early mobilisation, functional rehabilitation, and discharge planning for patients admitted following trauma. The service manages a diverse and complex caseload, offering excellent opportunities to develop skills in acute trauma, orthopaedics, and early spinal cord injury management.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide physiotherapy assessment and intervention for patients with acute orthopaedic trauma and spinal cord injury
• Deliver early post-operative mobilisation, gait re‑education, and functional rehabilitation
• Support neurological assessment, respiratory care, and prevention of secondary complications in patients with SCI
• Support effective pain management, exercise prescription, and recovery planning
• Collaborate with orthopaedic surgeons, nursing staff, occupational therapists, and the wider MDT
• Contribute to safe, timely discharge planning and ongoing rehabilitation pathways
• Educate patients and whānau on injury management, precautions, and recovery expectations
• Participate in service development, audits, and professional development activities
• Support physiotherapy students and junior clinicians

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 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:

• Work within a high-volume orthopaedic trauma and spinal injury service with a skilled and supportive team
• Access to regular supervision, mentoring, and ongoing professional development
• A varied and clinically stimulating caseload
• Opportunities to develop expertise in acute trauma and orthopaedic rehabilitation
• Be part of a collaborative, values-driven physiotherapy service
• Live in a region offering an amazing lifestyle

For more information on living and working in Canterbury click here

About You

You are a motivated physiotherapist who brings the following skills, experience, and qualities:

• Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and a current APC
• Strong assessment, clinical reasoning, and communication skills
• Experience or interest in orthopaedic trauma, spinal cord injury, or acute inpatient physiotherapy
• Confidence working with post-operative and acutely unwell patients
• A team-focused, adaptable, and 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.

Experience in trauma or SCI is advantageous, but we welcome applications from physiotherapists keen to develop expertise in this specialist area within a supported team.

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 Thursday 7th May. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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