Rural Hospital Medicine Generalist | Ashburton

Rural Hospital Medical Specialist – Ashburton Hospital
Location: Ashburton, Canterbury | Employment type: Permanent & Fixed Term options available

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.

Benefits

• 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.

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

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.

You will also 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.

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 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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact:

• Amy Walker – Recruitment Specialist
  Email: Amy.Walker@cdhb.health.nz
• Dr John Lyons – Clinical Director
  Email: John.Lyons@cdhb.health.nz

Please note: Applications via an agency will not be considered.

Statement of Accountability available upon request.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai – Come join us!