This is a new role - we are seeking a Consultant in Emergency Medicine to join a friendly team on a permanent basis in Launceston, North Tasmania – a fantastic location often overlooked by people heading to the major metropolitan cities.
But if you take a second look at Launceston, you will find it’s a beautiful place that offers a laidback easy lifestyle and great people to work with. And it’s just a short flight to Melbourne or Sydney.
The new modern and spacious ED with a wide ranging workload, combined with a relaxed lifestyle, presents an excellent opportunity if you are thinking about making a change for all the family in 2014.
- Great relaxed lifestyle with a nice climate
- The only major ED in North Tasmania
- 43 bed Unit opened in 2012, modern and spacious environment
- Recognised for advanced training of emergency physicians
- Competitive remuneration package, based on years of experience
- Easy access to Melbourne and Sydney with short, regular, daily flights
- World class golfing, boutique vineyards, adventure sports and beaches
The Department
The Emergency Department has an annual attendance approximately 44,500 per annum with a 21% inpatient admission and transfer rate. 21% of the patients are paediatric. The direct catchment is over 150,000 and for many specialties 250,000. The ED receives all types of patients including major trauma – there is no bypass of any type.
The hospital has all major specialties apart from neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery and hence few patients require tertiary referral. Referrals for tertiary care are approximately 100 to 120 p.a., mostly for neurosurgery. The hospital’s imaging department provides a high quality and prompt service for ED patients.
This is an interesting and varied role and the team is friendly and passionate about the services they deliver. They have 8.5fte Consultants, 11 Registrars, 1.7fte Career Medical Officer, as well as 12 Resident Medical Officers and interns. One of the Consultant Team is also the Director of the Tasmanian Medical Retrieval Service.
There are 8 or 9 shifts a fortnight for a full time appointment. Shifts are day or evening shifts, no night shifts. On call would be approx. 1 in 6 to 1 in 7.
The Hospital
One of four acute hospitals in Tasmania, this 300 bed Hospital is the major referral hospital for the residents of the North and North West of Tasmania, treating over 24,000 inpatients and over 225,000 outpatients annually. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on medical education and due to its accredited teaching hospital status, the hospital also enjoys close links with both the University of Tasmania, as well as the School of Nursing, which is also based here.
The Location
Launceston is picturesque and reflects its colonial history, you can also see Victorian and Georgian influences mixed in with the more modern architecture, which all adds to the overall charm of the place. Here, you can enjoy all the facilities of modern city living with excellent schools and affordable housing, whilst being free of traffic and large commutes. With a population of approx. 150,000, this is the “hub” of the North and its emerging as a location for those seeking an escape from the rushed big city life for a more laidback pace of living.
Tasmania is a wealth of arts and cultural experiences, from the cutting edge contemporary art galleries, to its many varied festivals, design shops and museums. Tasmania has become a great getaway place for visitors and in the summertime, the population swells, tourism is a thriving industry and a major contributor to the local economy. And interestingly, many national and international congresses are held in Tasmania’s state capital of Hobart, including medicine and healthcare conferences.
And ask any Australian, Tasmania is known for its beautiful fresh produce and seafood, attracting “foodies” with its restaurants and cafes. There’s a real dedication to providing a truly authentic food and wine experience. The temperate climate and four distinct seasons - including gloriously hot summers and cool winters - the region has perfect winegrowing conditions and this is reflected in the excellent wines produced all around Tasmania, in particular the Tamar Valley very close to Launceston.
Being such a compact island state, its easy to explore and go beyond the city up into the mountains or along the coastal roads. The diverse landscape lends itself to just about every outdoor experience you could wish for, from the world class golf courses, multi-day adventure races like the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge, mountain bike trails, and of course, the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht racing. But there really is so much to see and do, appealing to urban sophisticates escaping the hustle and bustle of big city life, outdoor enthusiasts seeking the fresh air and open spaces, and generally families of all ages.
There is a local airport and short daily flights to Melbourne (1 hr) and Sydney (just over 1 hr), making connections to international flights quick and easy to arrange.
Its not uncommon for Tasmanians to plan a weekend up in Melbourne for the many International Festivals or major sporting events, such as the Australian Tennis Open or the cricket at the MCG, as well as to enjoy a bit of high end, luxury shopping along Toorak Road.
More about life in Tasmania
What Head Medical can do for you
Arranging a position overseas is very exciting, but we understand that it can also be daunting and time consuming. We’re the UK's specialist in international medical recruitment and we‘ve helped many Doctors relocate since we first started out in 2008 (you can read what people have said about working with us on our testimonials page). We know it’s important to balance career opportunities with lifestyle and we’ll talk through your plans and will get to know you to make sure we find the right role in the right location.
Once we have secured a job for you, we’ll manage the Medical Registration and Visa application process, and support you (and your family) with the relocation itself.