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
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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
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Doctor
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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
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