Locum at Atherton Hospital, QLD
About Atherton Hospital
Atherton Hospital is a modern rural facility serving the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. Recently redeveloped, it offers a 24-hour Emergency Department, general medical and surgical wards, maternity, palliative, and rehab services. With 56 beds and a strong allied health team, the hospital provides broad, community-focused care in a supportive, fast-paced environment where teamwork drives outcomes.
Key facts about Atherton Hospital
Hours and On-call
- 10 hour shifts
- 1:4 on call
Location:
Atherton, Cairns & Hinterland HHS, QLD
Payment Frequency:
- Non-specialists are paid via HealthRoster. Timesheets are submitted internally.
- Specialists are paid via V-Money. Only one claim per month can be processed, so accuracy is essential.
Orientation
You will be shown around the Hospital & ran through the hospitals processes on your first day and provided a full orientation
Why work at Atherton Hospital
Atherton Hospital is strongly committed to Rural Generalist training and development. It offers positions for Generalist Registrars with ACRRM and RACGP, along with opportunities to build special interests in areas such as minor surgery, paediatrics, anaesthetics, obstetrics, education, and training. The hospital features a Simulation Centre for multidisciplinary education and is co-located with a James Cook University satellite campus, providing valuable teaching and supervision opportunities for those interested in medical education.
The facilities and services at Atherton Hospital
Atherton Hospital is a 56-bed facility offering a broad range of medical services, including:
- 24-hour Accident and Emergency
- Allied Health
- Anaesthetic Services (including epidurals)
- Birthing Services
- Chemotherapy
- Community Health
- Diabetes Education
- Dialysis
- Fracture Clinic
- Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- General Inpatient Services
- Mental Health (community-based)
- Palliative Care
- Paediatrics (low to medium acuity)
- Pathology
- Radiology (including Ultrasound and CT)
- Surgical Inpatients
- Surgical Services (provided by visiting and Senior Medical Officers)
- Visiting Specialist Services (including Surgery, Paediatrics, Haematology, Endocrinology, and Cardiology)
Complexities, inpatients, and ED presentations
Atherton Hospital manages a broad range of acute and chronic medical conditions, as well as major and minor trauma cases. The facility is supported by retrieval and other services in Cairns, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
Staffing Levels
-
- Director of Medical Services
- 10.7 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Senior Medical Officers
- Staff Physician
- 8 Principal House Officers (including 5 Training Registrar positions)
- 1 Medical Registrar
- 2 Interns
Hospital team and culture:
The hospital fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, emphasizing continuous education and close cooperation with local general practitioners. The presence of a Simulation Centre and a James Cook University satellite campus highlights the institution's commitment to multidisciplinary training and academic excellence.
Mental health support:
Access to both EAP and DNA's partnership with MyMirror
Impact on local community:
Serving a vast geographical area, Atherton Hospital plays a crucial role in delivering healthcare services to both the local community and distant regions, ensuring residents have access to essential medical care.
Accommodation & Travel details:
Flights, vehicle and accommodation all provided
Things to see & do in Atherton:
Nestled in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, the Atherton Tablelands is a picturesque region renowned for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the iconic Waterfall Circuit, featuring the stunning Millaa Millaa Falls, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the volcanic crater lakes of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine. The area also boasts charming towns like Yungaburra, known for its monthly markets and historic architecture, and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, hiking, and sampling local produce at various farms and cafes. With its blend of natural beauty and vibrant community life, the Atherton Tablelands provides a serene yet engaging backdrop for both relaxation and adventure.
DNA Healthcare success stories
We’ve had the pleasure of placing thousands of healthcare professionals at hospitals and organisations across Australia. Hear about their experience with DNA Healthcare.
Genuine and unfiltered review: I am a Registered Nurse and have worked with multiple agencies. However, I have never felt as amazed as I do with the contract I am currently on with DNA Nursing Agency. Both Aruna and Sophie are wonderful. Since my first day with the agency, Aruna has consistently checked in to make sure I am doing well and addressed any issues I might have. No matter if it’s the weekend, she always answers my calls and happily resolves any concerns.
Nurse
DNA Medical Recruitment & Team members have been amazing to work with. Excellent services of support provided from start to finish for all of my contracts.
Special thank you to Martin! His professionalism has been exceptional. Martin’s positive encouragement and support given me the confidence to apply for and helped with new contracts. Always prompt, friendly and approachable to accommodate any needs.
Nurse
Good experience with DNA. Will and Andrew with whom I have dealt with work extremely hard to help finalise locums, very reliable and good communicators.
Doctor
If you are thinking about commencing a travel nurse journey, then I can highly recommend Lucy and the Team at DNA. I had tried on and off for almost 12mths and then it was Lucy who was able to secure my role in Tasmania.
The knowledge from the outset and the assistant along the way has been incredible. Nothing is too much trouble and the team are only ever a phone call/email away
Nurse
Chloe from DNA is an excellent recruiter. She communicates clearly from start to finish and provides constructive feedback and preparation for the interview. Her support was instrumental in making the experience both memorable and positive for me. I highly recommend hiring or leveraging her expertise.
Nurse
I have been with DNA Recruitment for almost a year now and my agent Ciara has been nothing but helpful along the way. She made the initial move to Australia less daunting and has always been there ready and willing to answer any of my questions. She’s locked in every nursing contract I have wanted, has taken the stress away and honestly has made my life so much easier. Thank you Ciara for being so amazing!
Nurse
I had a wonderful experience with DNA Recruitment Healthcare Agency. The agency is professional, supportive, and provides excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals.
I would especially like to acknowledge Aruna, who guided me throughout my entire journey. Aruna helped me with every step, from finding the right opportunities to settling into my nursing contract. She is extremely kind, polite, and always cooperative. Her support, encouragement, and positive attitude made a big difference in my experience.
Nurse
Beverley is the best agent for me – she responds efficiently, goes above and beyond in finding me the most suitable shifts, checks up on me to make sure I’m okay almost daily and you can tell she genuinely wants the best for you. Thank you so much, Beverley, for making everything so smooth for me!
Doctor
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