Position overview

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.

This is a one-year full time clinical position commencing February 2027 with responsibility for inpatient and outpatient care of Clinical Haematology (malignant and non-malignant) patients. To be eligible for this position applicants must be PGY4+.

The position is suitable for either sub-speciality training under the auspices of the Haematology CJCT (FRACP/FRCPA) or FRACP only. An unaccredited AT/CMO will be considered. The position is accredited by the CJCT RACP/RCPA for one year of core clinical training. Preference will be given to candidates for dual Fellowship who have completed their FRACP Part I examination. Consultants within the unit have a keen interest in post graduate education and training and encourage the applicant to participate in learning activities. Applicants should have highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Familiarity with the use of computers, DHR and common software applications would be considered an advantage for the applicant.

The clinical haematology service provides a substantial inpatient and outpatient management for malignant and non-malignant patients including autologous stem cell transplantation and therapeutic plasma exchange. We provide a vital consultative haematology service to other specialities and external hospitals such as Calvary Hospital (Bruce, ACT), private hospitals and rural hospitals as well as to general practitioners. There is an active and dedicated clinical trials program. There is a strong teaching and professional development focus within the unit. The department has strong collaborative links with the department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University.

There is a four-month rotation to Orange Health Service which is a 270-bed major non-metropolitan referral hospital and the Central West Cancer Care centre. This rotation will allow extension of clinical and diagnostic haematology skills in the rural setting, participation in the lymphoma multidisciplinary meetings teleconferenced with Westmead and Nepean hospital, a weekly outreach clinic in Bathurst, involvement in clinical trials and participation in inpatient care as well as a rurally focussed research project. Haematology conference participation will be supported from Orange Base Hospital. There will be supervision from on-site haematologists and there will be teaching opportunities to junior medical staff.

Most of our haematologists are accredited by RACP and RCPA and have a keen interest in post graduate education and training. The unit has 12 haematologists, six advanced trainees, two basic trainees and two junior medical officers. Employment contracts for more than one year may be negotiable once positions are finalised. All trainees participate in an on-call haematology roster on weekends in conjunction with the on-call consultant and an infrequent general medical ward roster on weekdays as an evening shift. Trainees will participate in outpatient clinics as well as outreach clinics under supervision of a consultant in regional centres in Bega, NSW and North Canberra Hospital, Bruce, ACT. Development of a clinical or laboratory research project is strongly encouraged.

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide competent and efficient clinical management of patients under the supervision and direction of Consultant Physicians. Clinical duties will include assessment and management acute presentations, in-patient care, diagnosis and management of patients in outpatient clinics, consultations and clinical handover.  In addition, the appointee will need to independently and safely perform bone marrow biopsies, central venous access device removal such as Hickman lines, lumbar puncture with intra-thecal chemotherapy administration, skin punch biopsies and thoraco-abdominocentesis where appropriate.
• Progress in training in the specialty including participation in the relevant teaching program, timely completion of assessments and involvement in research.
• Participate in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff.
• Contribute to clinical audit and participate in changes that improve quality and safety of patient care.
• Participate in the Haematology after-hours and on-call roster & in the general medical registrar and on-call roster after-hour rosters which entails evening as well as weekend shifts. The appointee may be required to undertake outreach clinics, under the supervision of a consultant in regional centres in SE NSW and North Canberra Hospital, Bruce ACT
• Currency in an Advanced Life Support Course to be attained within three months of commencement with annual refreshers.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• Be a collegiate member of the team
• Maintain a high level of professionalism

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Currency in an Advanced Life Support Course to be attained within three months of commencement with annual refreshers.
• Completed the FRACP physicians written and clinical examination

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, Clinical Governance Framework, Partnering for Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement, successful candidates will be required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you require (key selection criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé, experience and referee reports.

LIST FROM PD

1. Demonstrated clinical competence and sound knowledge in general medicine and haematology at a level commensurate with postgraduate years
2. Proven commitment to further training in haematology, including success in FRACP written and clinical examinations
3. Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively in a clinical team.
4. Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development including formal education and self-directed learning.
5. Possession of sound written and verbal communication skills.
6. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.