Health Care Assistant - Acute Medical Unit

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent part-time – multiple positions and FTE available
• Rewarding Career – Be part of a team that saves lives and improves health outcomes daily.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We’re looking for experienced Health Care Assistants (HCAs) to join our Acute Medicine Unit (AMU). If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to be part of a team that’s focused on delivering excellent, patient-centred care, we’d love to hear from you.

In this role, you’ll be an important part of a multidisciplinary team that supports patients with a wide range of acute medical needs. We’re looking for HCAs who are motivated, reliable, and genuinely care about making a difference to patients during what can be a challenging time.

Experience in an acute or hospital setting is preferred. You’ll need to be comfortable working rostered and rotating shifts, and able to stay calm and focused in a busy environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Support patients with personal care (washing, dressing, mobility, toileting)
• Assist with meals and monitor fluid/food intake
• Help with patient transfers and mobility using safe techniques
• Keep patient areas clean and organised
• Follow infection control and safety procedures
• Work closely with the nursing team to provide high-quality, compassionate care
• Follow infection control procedures and health and safety policies
• Support the nursing and medical teams with basic clinical tasks under supervision

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the NZNO Collective agreement. Additional benefits include kiwisaver contributions (if eligible), shift allowances, professional development and wellness support.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Service

The Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Waikato Hospital is a dynamic and multifaceted environment that plays a pivotal role in the delivery of urgent and emergency medical care. Positioned at the frontline of the hospital’s acute services, the AMU serves as the initial point of care for patients presenting with a wide range of medical conditions requiring prompt assessment, stabilisation, and treatment. Its complexity arises from the high acuity and unpredictable nature of patient presentations, the need for rapid diagnostic decision-making, and the requirement for continuous multidisciplinary collaboration.

Structurally, the AMU is divided into two key areas: a short stay unit and an assessment unit. The short stay unit comprises 19 inpatient beds and is designed to manage patients requiring further observation, investigation, or treatment over a period of up to 72 hours. It facilitates early interventions and efficient discharge planning for patients who may not require prolonged hospitalisation. The assessment unit includes 7 beds and an adjacent waiting room, providing a dedicated space for initial clinical evaluation, and early diagnostic workup of new admissions. This layout supports responsive patient flow and ensures appropriate clinical prioritisation.

Staff on AMU work rostered, rotating shifts to ensure consistent 24/7 care. The team is experienced, adaptable, and committed to supporting each other in a busy but collaborative

About you

You will be someone who is:

• Compassionate, reliable, and patient-focused
• Experienced in a healthcare or hospital environment (preferred)
• A strong communicator with great teamwork skills
• Flexible, organised, and eager to support a busy clinical service
• Enthusiastic about learning and developing in a healthcare setting

If you thrive in a collaborative environment where no two days are the same, this is the role for you.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 7 June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shivani Kulkarni at Shivani.Kulkarni@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.