Locum at Tomaree Hospital, NSW
About Tomaree Hospital
Tomaree Community Hospital is a small, well-resourced rural hospital located in the heart of Port Stephens. With a five-bed Emergency Department and a 14-bed general medical ward, the hospital provides short-term acute and subacute care, including palliative services. The environment is fast-paced but supportive, and medical officers work closely with nursing and allied health teams to ensure efficient and patient-centred care.
Key facts about Tomaree Hospital
Hours and On-call
Emergency Department:
- Day Shift: 08:00 – 19:00
- Night Shift: 18:30 – 08:30
Inpatient Ward/Fast Track:
- Standard: 10:00 – 19:00
- Peak periods (school holidays): 10:00 – 20:00
One medical officer covers the night shift, including both ED and ward responsibilities
There is no on-call required beyond your rostered hours. The night shift doctor is expected to remain onsite at all times and rest facilities are available
Location:
Tomaree Hospital, WNSW
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
Doctors must complete Clinical Applications Portal (CAP) and MedChart training prior to their first shift. Orientation is provided on arrival, and a casual swipe card is issued for access to secure areas. Four forms of ID are required at check-in (passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card, and bank/credit card).
Why work at Tomaree Hospital
Tomaree Community Hospital offers doctors the chance to deliver meaningful, hands-on care in a welcoming and well-supported rural setting. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, respect, and patient-centred care, it’s an ideal environment for those who value clinical autonomy paired with solid nursing and allied health support. Doctors here are trusted to manage a broad mix of presentations, from acute emergencies to palliative and subacute care - making it a perfect fit for confident generalists or rural generalists looking to keep their skills sharp across multiple disciplines.
Beyond the clinical setting, Tomaree's location in the heart of Nelson Bay offers an unbeatable lifestyle balance. Work a fulfilling shift, then unwind on one of the region’s pristine beaches, explore local bush trails, or enjoy a relaxed coastal town atmosphere. With straightforward logistics (including travel reimbursement, comfortable accommodation, and no on-call outside rostered hours), doctors can focus on what matters: delivering excellent care in a community that genuinely values their presence.
The facilities and services at Tomaree Hospital
- Five-bed Emergency Department
- Fourteen-bed Adult Medical Ward
- Diagnostic imaging (X-Ray and CT onsite)
- Pathology (with regular courier collections)
- Allied Health (physiotherapy, dietetics, discharge planning)
- Pharmacy service twice weekly
- Onsite general practice for Triage 4 and 5 Fast Track patients
Complexities, inpatients, and ED presentations
ED sees a range of presentations, with medical officers responsible for patients triaged as categories 1 to 3. Category 4 and 5 patients may be managed by nurses unless clinical concerns arise. The inpatient unit primarily supports medical, subacute, palliative, and recuperating post-surgical patients.
Staffing Levels
- Medical:
- Standard: 2 doctors (ED and Ward/Fast Track during the day), 1 doctor overnight
- Peak: 3 doctors during the day including a second Fast Track doctor
- Nursing:
- Standard: 5 morning, 5 afternoon, 4 overnight
- Peak: 6 morning, 5 afternoon, 4 overnight
- Admin:
- Coverage from 07:30 – 21:30 (extended to 23:00 during peak periods)
Hospital team and culture:
Tomaree has a cohesive and well-functioning clinical team. Staff are familiar with the locum process and take pride in maintaining a calm, collaborative working culture. Communication is respectful and patient care is the clear priority.
Mental health support:
Access to both EAP and DNA's partnership with MyMirror
Impact on local community:
Tomaree plays a crucial role in delivering timely healthcare to the Nelson Bay and Port Stephens communities. With limited tertiary services nearby, the hospital helps bridge access gaps for patients who would otherwise travel long distances for treatment.
Accommodation & Travel details:
- Locums may book accommodation up to $190 per night. Pre-approval from the hospital is required
- Travel reimbursement is capped at $800. This includes return flights, hire cars, or personal vehicle mileage.
- Fly into Newcastle Airport (approximately 30 minutes from the hospital) or Sydney (approximately 2.5 hours by car).
Things to see & do in Tomaree:
Tomaree is set in the heart of Nelson Bay, a laid-back coastal town in the Port Stephens region. Known for its calm beaches, walking trails and marine life, it's a place where you can start your day with a swim or end it watching dolphins from the shore. The pace is slower here, but there’s no shortage of things to do—fishing, bushwalking, kayaking, or just relaxing at a local café. It’s well-connected too, with Newcastle about 45 minutes away and Sydney reachable in a couple of hours. For doctors working at Tomaree, it offers a genuine chance to unwind after a shift and enjoy a lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.
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.
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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.
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