Locum at Monto Hospital, QLD
About Monto Hospital
Monto Hospital is ideal for doctors who thrive in a true generalist role, enjoy hands-on medicine, and value being part of a tight-knit, supportive team where culture and collaboration matter as much as clinical skill.
Key facts about Atherton Hospital
Hours and On-call
-
SMOs: Hospital rounds early, then GP clinic (9:00 am–4:30 pm). One SMO on call each night and weekends, rotating daily.
-
PHO: 8:00 am–5:00 pm in hospital (ED/ward), assists with rounds and paperwork. May share 1–2 on-call nights per week.
Location:
Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service, QLD
Payment Frequency:
Weekly payroll
Orientation
Doctors receive a practical, team-led orientation on arrival. The Director of Nursing or senior staff provide a walk-through of the hospital, followed by a clinical handover from the on-site doctor. Admin support assists with system access, ID badges, and troubleshooting IT if needed. While formal manuals are limited, the focus is on a warm welcome, clear expectations, and making sure doctors feel supported from day one.
Why work at Monto Hospital
“If you talk to our long-term locums, they’ll tell you the same thing: the culture here is second to none,” - Tracie Pattie, DON, Monto Hospital
Doctors describe Monto as a place where nurses and doctors work side by side, not against each other. It's a genuinely supportive environment where everyone pulls together.
You won’t be just another number; you’ll be part of a small team that values collaboration, good communication, and a sense of humour.
As one doctor put it, “It’s the best culture I’ve experienced anywhere in Australia.”
If you’re someone who thrives on variety, values teamwork, and wants to make a real impact in a close-knit community, this is the place.
The facilities and services at Monto Hospital
-
14 inpatient beds
-
1-bed Emergency Department (24/7)
-
Outpatient service (limited sessions)
-
X-ray available weekly (on-call for emergencies)
-
Tele-chemo service
-
Basic pharmacy on site, with local pharmacy support
-
Helipad and access to aeromedical retrieval services
-
Standardised emergency trolleys (Rural Standardisation Project)
Complexities, inpatients, and ED presentations
-
Expect true generalist medicine — anything from trauma and acute emergencies to maternity, paediatrics, and chronic disease management.
-
Around 120–150 ED presentations per month, but highly variable: some days 10 presentations, other days none.
-
Inpatient occupancy averages 70%, with occasional surges to 100%+.
-
No CT and limited imaging, so strong clinical reasoning is essential.
-
Retrievals for higher acuity cases are common, using helicopter or plane via on-site helipad and local airstrip.
-
SMOs split time between hospital and local GP practice, adding continuity of care and variety to the role.
-
PHO role is hospital-based only, focused on ED and ward work, discharge summaries, and clinical support.
Hospital team and culture:
The team at Monto Hospital prides itself on being close-knit and genuinely supportive, with a culture that makes doctors want to come back. There’s no “us and them” — nurses and doctors work side by side, sharing responsibility and backing each other up. It’s a place where a warm welcome matters, and little touches go a long way: weekly coffee runs, Thursday breakfasts, takeaway lunches, and regular morning teas are part of the routine. If you value camaraderie, laughter in the tea room, and a team that genuinely has your back, you’ll feel right at home here.
Mental health support:
Access to both EAP and DNA's partnership with MyMirror
Impact on local community:
Working at Monto Hospital means making a tangible difference every day. This is the only hospital serving a wide rural catchment, so your skills directly impact access to care for people who would otherwise face long waits or long-distance transfers. Whether it’s managing an emergency, supporting chronic conditions, or simply being a familiar face in the community, your presence matters. Locals genuinely value their doctors — you’re not just providing a service; you’re part of the fabric of the town, helping keep healthcare close to home.
Accommodation & Travel details:
Flights, vehicle and accommodation all provided
Things to see & do in Monto:
Life in Monto offers plenty to enjoy outside of work. You can explore the walking trails and natural beauty of Cania Gorge, relax by Cania Dam for fishing or a quiet picnic, or take in the local art scene with Monto’s street art trail and galleries. The town has a friendly, active community with sports like touch footy, netball, and cricket, plus regular markets and country events. When you need a change of pace, Bundaberg is an easy drive, and flights from nearby Biloela make Brisbane trips simple.
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.
Beverley Anne from DNA Medical Recruitment was a pleasure to deal with. Honest, efficient and professional at all times.
Doctor
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
I couldn’t recommend Bev the team at DNA Recruitment more highly.
Having been away from hospital practice for 2 years, I was a little nervous stepping back into acute medicine. The team were very understanding and supportive and found a well-paid locum job in a very welcoming team in a Regional Hospital. There was always good communication, arranging all the paperwork and constantly checking in to see how the job was going, and the accounts team were very happy to work with my requests to enable sacrifice of pay to increase Super contribution.
A great experience. I would recommend to any who are looking to engage in locum practice to contact DNA Recruit.
Doctor
Bev was recommended to me by another doctor, and I can see why. From our very first contact, she has been warm, encouraging, and extremely helpful. I’ve had some difficult personal circumstances, which I was afraid would affect my ability to work. Bev has gone above and beyond to find me work, and been incredibly supportive throughout the process.
I’ve worked with several locum agencies in the past, and most of them just do the bare minimum (which I don’t begrudge). But Bev has been an absolute joy to have as my agent, and I’ve already referred another colleague to her. Even Veronika in payroll has been very helpful, friendly, and accommodating. I haven’t worked with anyone else in DNA Recruit, but so far I have only good things to say about them.
Doctor
Thank you Bey you’re adorable. I’m sure you appreciate how competitive the recruitment market is and it’s no secret i have dealt with several agencies (who often advertise the same opportunities) – but one by one shed them in favour of you because in addition to being so damn professional you have a genuine bedside manner which helps to make the tedious process of organising things trip after trip that bit easier – a fact which has not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for.
Anaesthetic Locum
Thank you Bev, you are amazing! I am impressed with how quickly you managed and sort things out! Thanks for advocating for me.
Doctor
DNA Medical Recruitment provide a warm, caring service to Doctors, and they are an absolute pleasure to deal with. Bev is my consultant, and I could not ask any more of her. She is always ready to help, nothing is an issue and she bends over backwards to ensure that I am moving to a position that suits me. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending DNA to any of our colleagues, whether it be nursing or medical. Thank you Bev for all that you do.
Doctor
I have worked with David over the last year and he is professional, reliable and always keeps me up to date with work matters. David also responds to emails and phone calls promptly which assists me with managing my work schedules. There were occasions in which David had to chase the primary employer for clarification few hours be for my shift, and David has come through with the necessary clarification. I would highly recommend David’s leadership and honesty when it comes to managing your locum placement.
Anaesthetic specialist
