Staff Specialist, Palliative Medicine - John Hunter Hospital perm/temp hours available
REQ658008
Staff Specialist, Palliative Medicine
John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle NSW
Permanent part time up to 0.6 FTE available
Temporary full-time or job share up to 1.0 FTE available – VMO may be considered
**Permanent Part Time Appointment – up to 0.6 FTE
Applicants must hold:
- Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM), or equivalent, or be within 12 months of completion of FAChPM.
Temporary Full Time or Job Share Appointment – up to 1.0 FTE (VMO appointment may be considered)
Applicants must hold:
- Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM), or equivalent, or be within 6 months of completion of FAChPM.
- For the 0.5 FTE Kidney Supportive Care component only, applications are also encouraged from candidates with: Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Nephrology) with dual training in Palliative Care, or A Clinical Foundation in Palliative Medicine (formerly known as the RACP Diploma in Palliative Medicine).
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most
Live and Work in Newcastle at John Hunter Hospital
Join a service where compassionate, specialist care is at the heart of everything we do, while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle in one of Australia’s most liveable coastal cities.
Why Newcastle?
Newcastle offers the ideal balance of professional challenge and lifestyle reward. With pristine beaches and coastal walks, a vibrant café and dining scene, excellent schools, and thriving arts and sporting communities, Newcastle provides a relaxed coastal lifestyle without sacrificing career opportunity. Easy access to the Hunter Valley vineyards and national parks, and just two hours from Sydney, makes it an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family.
Why John Hunter Hospital?
John Hunter Hospital (JHH) is the principal tertiary referral centre for Hunter New England and Northern NSW, delivering complex specialist care within a leading teaching and research environment that supports innovation, collaboration and clinical excellence.
Opening in late 2026, the new state of the art Acute Services Building will integrate emergency, critical care, surgical and inpatient services, enhancing patient flow, safety and experience while providing contemporary facilities to support high acuity care and future growth.
About the Role
John Hunter Hospital delivers a well established, integrated Palliative Care and Kidney Supportive Care Service, providing compassionate, high quality care to patients with advanced and life limiting illness across inpatient, outpatient and community settings. The service operates as part of the Newcastle specialist multidisciplinary palliative care hub and is recognised for its strong clinical leadership, collaborative culture, and focus on quality of life, dignity and goal concordant care.
As a Staff Specialist in Palliative Medicine, you will provide contemporary, comprehensive and professional specialist care that is safe, effective, evidence based and patient centred, working as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team within a major tertiary and teaching hospital.
You Will:
• Work within the John Hunter Palliative and End of Life Care multidisciplinary team, providing consultative care for patients with advanced disease and limited prognosis, with a strong focus on person centred and compassionate care
• Collaborate with the Hunter New England Palliative Care Stream to review, develop, implement and evaluate contemporary, evidence based clinical practices, guidelines and models of care across the district
• For the Kidney Supportive Care role, provide expert care across inpatient wards, the emergency department, community dialysis units and community settings, including multidisciplinary clinics and home visits
• Deliver consultative and mentoring support to strengthen service capability, quality improvement and workforce development
• Participate in the Hunter New England Palliative Care on call roster, providing support to district services, including participation in the development and delivery of virtual care
Academic and Research Connections
Hunter New England Health has strong partnerships with the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), offering excellent opportunities for teaching, research and innovation. Clinicians are supported to participate in undergraduate and postgraduate education, engage in locally led and multicentre research, pursue academic appointments and translate evidence into clinical practice within a health district that values inquiry and continuous improvement.
Sustainable Healthcare – Together Towards Zero
John Hunter Hospital is committed to environmentally sustainable healthcare, embedding energy efficiency, waste reduction and responsible resource use into service planning. This supports a safe, healthy workplace and aligns with Hunter New England Health’s commitment to high quality care that benefits both the community and the environment.
Senior Medical Recruitment and Medical Settlement Concierge Support
Hunter New England Health offers a dedicated Senior Medical Recruitment Team and Medical Settlement Concierge Service, providing personalised end to end support from initial enquiry through to onboarding, credentialing and relocation. This service supports clinicians and their families to settle quickly, allowing them to focus on delivering excellent patient care and enjoying life in the region. Click here to learn more!
About You
You are a compassionate, collaborative specialist with a strong commitment to excellence in supportive and end of life care and a desire to contribute to the continued growth of an expanding palliative care service. You will bring:
• A primary medical degree registrable with AHPRA
• Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM), or equivalent
• For the Kidney Supportive Care role, additional nephrology and supportive care qualifications as specified above
• Demonstrated recent experience as a medical expert in Palliative Medicine and/or Kidney Supportive Care
• A commitment to achieving excellent patient and family experiences
• A proven ability to deliver high quality, compassionate care as both a leader and valued member of an interdisciplinary team
• Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Experience or demonstrated interest in leadership, mentoring and supervision, with a commitment to education and workforce development
• An interest in broader health system objectives, including effective utilisation of resources and participation in activities beyond direct patient care
Why Join Us?
At John Hunter Hospital, you will be part of a collegial, values driven medical workforce that supports wellbeing, professional growth and innovation. This role offers genuine professional fulfilment through delivering care that truly matters, when it matters most.
Advance your career. Enrich your lifestyle. Make a meaningful impact.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
Applications Close: Sunday 24 May 2026
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent and temporary part-time positions
For a confidential discussion about the role please contact:
Dr Orlaith Finucane, Clinical Lead John Hunter Palliative Care
E: Orlaith.finucane@health.nsw.gov.au Ph: 02 4923 6626
Application Enquiries: Stacey Burbridge, HNELHD Senior Medical Recruitment
E: Stacey.Burbridge@health.nsw.gov.au Ph: 02 498 53297
Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases - this is a Category A position. Please read and understand NSW Health policy directive (PD2022_030). All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Agency applications are NOT accepted, thank you
