Locum at Macksville Hospital, NSW
About Macksville Hospital
Macksville is a friendly, well-supported rural ED where you will gain broad exposure to diverse presentations while still having strong consultant backup. You will work with a cohesive and approachable team, develop autonomy in rural emergency medicine, and have the opportunity to deepen procedural skills in a safe, supportive environment. The department values education, teamwork and compassionate patient care.
Key facts about Northam Hospital
Hours and On-call
- Day: 0800–1800
- Evening: 1300–2300
- Night: 2230–0830
You will be rostered across a mix of day, evening and night shifts. Overnight you will be the sole doctor on-site, supported by an experienced nursing team with remote FACEM backup from Coffs Harbour.
On-call Frequency
On-site medical officer present 24/7.
GP VMOs provide on-call support for high-acuity cases outside FACEM hours.
Coffs Harbour FACEMs available for phone/videoconference support after hours
Location:
Macksville, Mid North Coast LHD, NSW
Payment Frequency:
V-Money
Orientation
You will receive a full orientation on your first day, including introductions to key staff, a walkthrough of the Emergency Department, hospital layout, workflows, escalation pathways and transfer processes. FirstNet and eMeds training is provided prior to starting. ID and system access are organised by MNCLHD.
Why work at Macksville Hospital
Macksville gives you proper rural ED exposure without leaving you exposed. There’s a FACEM on-site during the week, experienced nurses on every shift, and easy backup from Coffs Harbour after hours. You get variety, hands-on medicine, and a team that actually wants you to succeed.
It’s a great fit if you want to:
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Build confidence in a supported rural ED
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Work with a friendly, low-ego team
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Develop procedural skills and decision-making
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Be part of a community that genuinely values its clinicians
The work is interesting, the support is real, and the lifestyle doesn’t hurt either.
Team Snapshot
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FACEMs: Dr Karly Field (Director), Dr Rachael Gill, Dr Brian O’Connell, Dr Acland Hart
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Medical: 5 CMOs, 1 ED Registrar, 1 JMO, GP VMO backup
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Nursing: 3 nurses days/evenings, 2 overnight, strong NUM leadership
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Support: Ward clerks, allied health, Aboriginal Liaison Officers (Tash & Mila), Tresillian parenting unit
The facilities and services at Northam
- 24-hour Emergency Department
- 28 acute inpatient beds
- 10 perioperative beds
- 8 day-surgery chairs
- 2 maternity beds for low-risk births
- Radiology onsite (X-ray; ultrasound limited hours)
- Point-of-care iStat testing
- Access to CT, MRI and advanced imaging via Coffs Harbour
- Tresillian Early Parenting Unit co-located on campus
Technology/software
- FirstNet (ED EMR)
- PowerChart (inpatient EMR)
- eMeds electronic medication charting
- iStat for point-of-care testing
- Telehealth capability for referrals and escalation
Complexities, inpatients, and ED presentations
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Approx. 15,000 ED presentations per year
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1,400 inpatient admissions annually
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Broad mix including:
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General medical
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Minor trauma
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Paediatrics
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Low-risk obstetrics
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Mental health
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Palliative care
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Aged-care presentations
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Clear escalation pathways to Coffs Harbour for advanced imaging, specialist input and high-acuity care
Hospital team and culture:
The department fosters a warm, collaborative and respectful culture. Senior clinicians maintain an open-door approach for questions, feedback and debriefs. Staff support one another, communication is strong, and teaching is encouraged. The workplace values kindness, teamwork and professionalism.
Mental health support:
Access to both EAP and DNA's partnership with MyMirror
Impact on local community:
You will be supporting the Nambucca Valley community, a mix of coastal towns and rural villages. The region includes a significant Aboriginal population and older demographic, and the hospital plays a vital role in providing access to emergency and inpatient care. Community relationships are strong and welcoming.
Accommodation & Travel details:
Self-contained accommodation located close to the hospital. Includes kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi and parking. Clean, modern and comfortable. No smoking or alcohol is permitted on hospital grounds.
Things to see & do in Northam:
The Nambucca Valley offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches at Nambucca Heads, Valla Beach and Scotts Head. Outdoor activities include surfing, bushwalking, kayaking and fishing. The region has local cafes, farmers’ markets and a welcoming community. Housing is more affordable compared to larger NSW coast towns.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Thank you Bev, you are amazing! I am impressed with how quickly you managed and sort things out! Thanks for advocating for me.
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.
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.
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