Physiotherapist - Acute and Emergency Department

• Waikato Hospital
• Fixed Term
• 32 to 40 hours per week (0.8 FTE to 1 FTE)

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 are seeking an experienced physiotherapist who exemplifies collaboration and autonomy, thinks on their feet, is resourceful and can accurately diagnose patients in our busy emergency department here at Waikato Hospital. This is a dual role servicing both the acute medical floors and our emergency department. This is not an advanced practitioner role.  

As a successful candidate you will play a key role in assessing and treating patients on the acute medical floors and designing treatment plans. The ED component requires you to screen our ED patients to determine if an admission or clearance for is possible. You will be expected to work at pace and develop high trust relationships with our multi-disciplinary staff in the ED to provide accurate diagnosis and clear directives to help optimise hospital flow. You will be supported by our medical team to do this. This position involves all aspects or physiotherapy practice in an academic tertiary hospital setting in one of New Zealand's fastest growing regions. Our emergency department in the regional tertiary department for Te Manawa Taki. We offer peer review, supervision, continuing education and professional development, comprehensive online information and an excellent library of resources. 

This position is integral to the acute medical team, providing care in both the medical wards and emergency departments, making a real difference to the people we care for.

This is a fixed term position until 27^th March 2026 and the position is Monday to Friday except for one week of the month where you will be rostered Tuesday to Saturday.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of patients' physical conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, to diagnose injuries and their functional impairments.
• Develop individualised treatment recommendations, including referrals and self-management plans so that patients receive the right care where they go.
• Educate patients on their assessment findings, their rehabilitation needs, and self-management strategies to encourage active participation in their recovery process.
• Work closely with doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and facilitate coordinated treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, progress notes, and treatment plans, in compliance with health regulations and confidentiality standards.
• Participate in ongoing professional development through training, workshops, and staying updated with the latest physiotherapy practices and evidence-based research to ensure high-quality patient care.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Physiotherapy service is powered by a dedicated team of approximately 90 staff, including Physiotherapists, assistants and administrators, who work across a vast geographical area that spans across Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato. Our team is spread across multiple locations, with staff based at Waikato Hospital, our secondary hospital in Thames and our 3 rural hospitals in Tokoroa, Te Kuiti and Taumaranui. Each member of our team plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality care that promotes health, wellbeing, and independence for the patients and whanau in the communities we serve. We are committed to supporting and training our staff to maintain a high standard of evidence-based practice, ensuring that the care we provide is equitable, efficient, and effective.

At the heart of our service is a friendly, supportive team environment where staff are encouraged to grow and develop. As part of our dynamic team, you’ll face new challenges every day in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. You'll work closely with peers to prioritise patient care, delivering impactful therapy sessions that directly benefit patients’ lives and contribute to one of New Zealand’s key industries.

About Waikato

The Waikato region is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

 For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

The skills and experience required for the role would be:

• Current New Zealand Physiotherapy registration with a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC).
• District Health experience essential.
• Ideally 3 years of experience in acute physiotherapy, with a strong background in a range of clinical settings.
• Experience in Musculoskeletal, Respiratory Care and Vestibular physiotherapy is preferred.
• Strong evidence-based assessment and treatment capabilities, applying the latest research to deliver optimal patient outcomes.
• Demonstrated passion for continuous learning, with a proactive approach to adapting to new clinical challenges and gaining experience across different specialties.
• Exceptional time management skills, ensuring efficient handling of a diverse caseload while maintaining high-quality care.

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 22 September 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Elisa Travailleur at Elisa.Travailleur@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz or phone Kasper Kulak, Physiotherapy Manager on 021 991 624. 

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