Staff Specialist or Visiting Medical Officer

Overview

Staff Specialist or Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) in Anaesthesia – Maitland Hospital, Hunter Region NSW. Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). Requisition # REQ595908. Multiple permanent full-time or part-time opportunities. Immediate start available as new theatres open.

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 specialties. 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 operating theatres, advanced monitoring systems, and modern recovery/day stay units.
- The department and surgical facilities are expanding to cater for community needs. When fully expanded, the facility is planned to have 8 functional theatres with 2 procedural rooms.
- Interventional radiology and cardiology services are supported.
- There is a Level 5 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for post-operative and critical care needs.

Collaborative Care

- Dedicated multidisciplinary team of Staff Specialists and Visiting Medical Officers working with surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals to deliver safe perioperative care.
- Involvement in pre-operative assessments to optimise patient outcomes.
- Expertise in acute and chronic pain management for postoperative and 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 education of medical students, junior doctors, and anaesthetic trainees, with a strong teaching culture and supervision program.
- Accredited for ANZCA training and GP Anaesthetic training, with extended skills training in emergency and intensive care; ample opportunities for professional growth.
- Simulation training and professional development are encouraged.
- The role offers opportunity to contribute to clinical leadership and operational management within the GNSM2 Anaesthetic Network.

Regional Focus

- As part of HNELHD, the department serves Maitland and surrounding areas with high-quality care close to home.

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 makes the journey to Australia easier. We will support SIMGs through this path and help them settle in their new home. The health district has a specialized senior medical recruitment team and a Medical Settlement Concierge team to assist SIMGs and their families.

“Coming from the NHS, it was daunting stepping into a different health system, but Maitland’s Clinical Director Ajit and another IMG from the UK helped me adapt.”

Dr Nirojan Sivapathasundararajah – Staff Specialist Anaesthesia, Maitland Hospital

“Relocating from the UK to Australia was daunting, but the support from Maitland Hospital made the transition smooth.”

Dr Mathew Sebastian – Senior Staff Specialist Anaesthesia, Maitland Hospital

What we can offer you

- Career development: opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment with partnerships with HMRI and the University of Newcastle.
- Modern facilities: work with advanced technology in a purpose-built hospital.
- Team environment: collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
- Lifestyle benefits: Maitland is in the Lower Hunter Valley with access to community, nature, and proximity to Newcastle and Sydney.
- Sustainable healthcare: focus on sustainability in care delivery.
- Benefits: salary packaging, Fitness Passport, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.
- Onboarding support: dedicated Senior Medical Recruitment team and Settlement Concierge to assist with applications and relocation.

HNELHD is committed to child safety and NSW Health’s Child Safe Standards. All staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.

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 and temporary full- and 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; agencies presenting candidates should email their CV to Stacey.Burbridge@health.nsw.gov.au for review before online applications are completed.

Occupational Assessment and Vaccination requirements apply (Category A position). Please read NSW Health policy directive PD2022_030. All new employees must comply with the policy.

NSW Health acknowledges the traditional lands of Aboriginal peoples of NSW and pays respect to Elders past and present.

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