Staff Specialist or Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) in Anaesthesia - Maitland Hospital HNELHD
REQ595908
Staff Specialist or Visiting Medical Officer in Anaesthesia
Maitland Hospital, Hunter Region NSW
Multiple Permanent full time or part time opportunities for suitable applicants
Immediate start available as we excitingly open new theatres
See how you, your friends and colleagues Can Have More at Maitland.
"When someone asked me why Maitland’s Anaesthetic Department is different to anywhere else I’ve worked in Australia, I didn’t have to think twice. It’s the people, the culture, and the support from both within the department and from leadership that make it so special.
We are unique due to how cohesive it is, not just professionally, but personally. We’re a small, close-knit team, our families know each other, our kids go to the same schools, it really breaks down barriers and builds trust."
Dr Ajit Sivasankaran – Clinical Director of Anaesthesia, Maitland Hospital
About our team
The Anaesthesia Department at Maitland Hospital is a cornerstone of the hospital's surgical and procedural services, playing a critical role in patient care across a broad spectrum of specialities.
The department is located within the modern facilities of the new Maitland Hospital and is part of the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).
Key Features
Comprehensive Services
- The department provides anaesthetic services for a wide range of surgical procedures, including general surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, urology, ENT, Paediatrics, ophthalmology, and more.
- Anaesthetic support is also offered for endoscopy, diagnostic imaging, and interventional procedures.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Maitland Hospital is equipped with cutting-edge operating theatres, advanced monitoring systems, and modern recovery/ day stay units.
- The department and surgical facilities are rapidly expanding to cater for the needs of the community. Once fully expanded, the facility would have 8 functional theatres with 2 procedural rooms.
- In addition, they would also cater to radiology and cardiology interventional services
- The department is supported by a well-functioning Level 5 Intensive care unit (ICU) for post-operative and critical care needs.
Collaborative Care
- Our Anaesthetics department boasts a team of dedicated multidisciplinary professionals, including Staff Specialists and Visiting Medical Officers, who work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other allied health professionals to ensure safe and effective perioperative care.
- The team is actively involved in pre-operative assessments to optimise patient outcomes.
- Expertise in both acute and chronic pain management is available, ensuring comprehensive care for patients recovering from surgery or dealing with long-term pain conditions.
Obstetric Anaesthesia
- The hospital is a referral centre for obstetric care in the Lower Hunter Valley, providing anaesthetic support for labour and delivery, including epidurals and emergency caesareans.
Education and Training
- The department is involved in the education of medical students, junior doctors, and anaesthetic trainees, fostering a strong teaching culture and robust supervision program.
- Accredited for ANZCA training and GP Anaesthetic training, as well as offering extended skills training for emergency and intensive care, our department provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Participation in simulation training and professional development is encouraged to maintain high standards of care.
- As part of our expanding service, this role offers the chance to contribute to clinical leadership and operational management to complement the clinical, teaching, training and research activities of the GNSM2 Anaesthetic Network, shaping the future of anaesthetic services at Maitland Hospital and beyond.
Regional Focus
- As part of the HNELHD, the department is committed to serving the needs of the Maitland community and surrounding areas, offering access to high-quality care close to home.
Essential qualifications
- A primary medical degree registrable with AHPRA and Fellowship of ANZCA (or nearing completion within six months) and/or eligibility via overseas specialist pathways.
- Recent, comprehensive experience in Anaesthesia demonstrating expertise as a medical professional.
**IMPORANT for Specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) - Watch here and tell your friends and colleagues!
- We have multiple SIMGs within the department who have embraced and settled in the region.
- The expedited SIMG registration pathway has made the journey to Australia much easier. We would support SIMGs through this path and help them settle down in their new home.
- The health district has a specialised senior medical recruitment team that cater to SIMGs and a dedicated Medical Settlement Concierge team to assist SIMG's and their families to ebbed into our community.
"Coming from the NHS, it was a bit daunting stepping into a completely different health system, especially one that works as a public–private hybrid, with added geographic challenges. But speaking with Maitland's Clinical Director Ajit, another IMG from the UK, made all the difference. Ajit was honest about the challenges and shared what helped him adapt. That kind of straight-up advice gave me the confidence to make the leap and embrace the opportunities here."
Dr Nirojan Sivapathasundararajah – Staff Specialist Anaesthesia, Maitland Hospital
"Relocating from the UK to Australia was a pretty daunting experience, not just because of the distance, but because it meant leaving behind 30 years of friendships and close family. We were initially a bit skeptical about making such a big move, but what truly made the difference was the incredible support we received. The team at Maitland Hospital, particularly the Department of Anaesthesia and Senior Medical Recruitment, made us feel welcomed, informed, and well supported throughout the entire process. Their help turned what could have been a very overwhelming transition into something smooth and reassuring."
Dr Mathew Sebastian – Senior Staff Specialist Anaesthesia, Maitland Hospital
What we can offer you
- Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment, opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers and experts through partnerships with HMRI and the University of Newcastle.
- Modern Facilities: Work with advanced technology in a purpose-built hospital.
- Team Environment: Join a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Located in the Lower Hunter Valley, the region offers a perfect balance of vibrant community living, beautiful natural surroundings, and proximity to Newcastle and Sydney.
- Sustainable Healthcare: A focus on sustainable healthcare to create a healthier environment for all.
- Benefits: including Salary packaging, Fitness Passport access for discounted gyms and pools & Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.
- Support with applications and onboarding: Dedicated Senior Medical Recruitment team and Settlement Concierge to assist with applications, relocation and settling into the community.
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
Applications Close: 29 September 2025
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent & temporary full & part time positions
For a confidential discussion about the role please contact:
Dr Ajit Sivasankaran, Clinical Director Anaesthesia, Maitland Hospital
E: Ajit.Sivasankaran@health.nsw.gov.au
Application Enquiries: Stacey Burbridge, HNELHD Senior Medical Recruitment
E: Stacey.Burbridge@health.nsw.gov.au Ph: 02 498 53297
IMPORTANT - Preference is for direct applicants however agencies presenting candidates must email their CV to Stacey.Burbridge@health.nsw.gov.au for review of candidates before any online applications are completed.
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.
