REQ679964
Critical Care, Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) – Northern Retrieval Advice and Coordination Service (NRACS)
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD)
Fixed term for 12 months with the possibility for extension
We are seeking high calibre, experienced and collaborative Critical Care Specialists for VMO roles in our Northern Retrieval Advice and Coordination Service (NRACS).
About the Role
As a VMO with NRACS, you will participate in a cooperative 24/7 roster, providing expert critical care consultation, retrieval advice and patient transfer coordination. You will be available throughout your rostered shift to support clinicians managing critically ill and injured patients, ensuring advice and communication are delivered with professionalism, compassion and a patient-centred approach.
Working collaboratively with NSW Ambulance, Hunter Retrieval Service and Tamworth Retrieval Service and other retrieval service providers, intensive care units, emergency departments and specialty networks, you will support the timely assessment, stabilisation and transport planning of patients requiring higher levels of care. The role contributes to high-quality patient outcomes through clinical expertise, effective communication, coordination and system-wide collaboration.
In addition, you will contribute to clinical governance, quality improvement initiatives and service development activities that support excellence in critical care advice and coordination across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert critical care advice regarding patient assessment, resuscitation, stabilisation and inter-hospital transport planning.
- Coordinate patient transfer priorities for critically ill and injured patients in collaboration with Hunter Retrieval Service and Tamworth Retrieval Service and NSW Ambulance.
- Provide critical care and logistical advice to the Newcastle and Tamworth medical retrieval teams for both pre-hospital and inter-hospital missions.
- Liaise effectively with ICUs, emergency departments, retrieval services, specialty networks and patient flow units across the health system.
- Maintain oversight of critical care bed availability and contribute to system-wide decision-making during periods of high demand or major clinical events.
- Participate in multidisciplinary reviews, debriefs, clinical audits, research activities and quality improvement initiatives.
- Provide mentorship, support and education to ical staff, retrieval coordinators and nursing personnel.
- Represent the service in relevant clinical and operational forums.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, safety and excellence in patient-centred care.
About You
You are an experienced critical care specialist with excellent clinical judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to make sound decisions in complex and time-critical situations. You thrive in collaborative environments and are committed to supporting clinicians, patients and health services through expert advice, coordination and clinical leadership.
Essential Requirements
- Primary medical degree registrable with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Fellowship of the:
o Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM); or
o College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (CICM); or
o Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).
- Significant current experience in emergency medicine, intensive care medicine, anaesthesia and retrieval medicine.
- Demonstrated expertise in the stabilisation and management of critically ill patients.
- Experience in leadership, coordination or decision-making roles within complex clinical systems.
- Exceptional communication, collaboration and telehealth consultation skills.
- Strong and current understanding of NSW Health retrieval systems, critical care networks and patient flow processes.
- Previous pre-hospital medical experience is highly desirable.
Why Join NRACS?
NRACS plays a critical role in supporting access to specialist care across Hunter New England and surrounding regions. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, contribute to statewide and regional clinical networks, and help shape the future of critical care advice, coordination and patient flow within NSW Health.
Need more information?
about applying for this position
Applications Close: Sunday 9 August 2026
Interview Date: week commencing 17 August, dates to be confirmed
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary and permanent vacancies.
For a confidential discussion about the role please contact:
Tracey Dwyer, Service Manager, Critical Care Service, John Hunter Hospital
E: [email protected]
Application Enquiries: Stacey Burbridge, HNELHD Senior Medical Recruitment
E:
[email protected] Ph: 02 498 53297
Agency applications are NOT accepted, thank you
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.
Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases - this is a Category A position. Please read and understand NSW Health policy directive (PD2022_03. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
