Director of General Medicine
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Western Health
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, people, consumers, and staff, past and present, on whose land we provide health services.
Executive Summary
- Lead one of Victoria’s largest and most complex General Medicine services across multiple hospital sites, with a $12.7 million budget and over 60 trainees.
- Drive clinical excellence, integrated care models, and patient flow across Sunshine, Footscray, and the future Melton Hospital, ensuring high-quality and equitable care.
- Join a forward-thinking, values-led executive team with strategic influence in service redesign, workforce development, education and research.
The Opportunity
Western Health is seeking a strategic and values-driven leader for the role of Director of General Medicine. As the health service prepares for major infrastructure growth—including the new Footscray Hospital (opening 2026) and Melton Hospital (2029)—this is a unique opportunity to shape one of the busiest and most influential inpatient units across Western Melbourne. With a footprint spanning multiple campuses, the General Medicine Unit plays a critical role in the acute and subacute care continuum, delivering care to a vulnerable and diverse population while leading innovation in workforce models, clinical redesign, and multidisciplinary integration.
The Role
Reporting to the Clinical Services Director, Aged, General Medicine & Subacute (AGMS), the Director will lead the strategic, clinical and operational performance of General Medicine across all Western Health sites. This includes responsibility for inpatient and consultative teams, education and training programs, clinical governance, budget oversight, and service improvement. The Director will oversee a workforce of over 90 medical staff (including 11.9 FTE SMS and 60+ trainees), lead the expansion to Melton, and work in partnership with Site Directors and Advanced Training leads to deliver cohesive, equitable care. Key priorities include driving innovation in models of care, improving patient flow, embedding a strong safety and quality culture, and growing the unit’s education and research impact.
The Candidate
You are a senior medical specialist (FRACP or equivalent) with demonstrated leadership in General Medicine service delivery, workforce management and strategic planning. While current AHPRA registration is not required at the time of application, you must be eligible and willing to obtain registration to practise in Australia.
You bring deep clinical expertise and an ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across complex, multi-site environments. Your strengths include change management, stakeholder engagement, financial stewardship, and fostering a culture of high performance and accountability. You are committed to education and research and bring a collaborative, values-aligned approach to improving the health and wellbeing of diverse communities in Western Melbourne.
We invite you to discuss this exciting opportunity with Lynette Taylor from the HardyGroup M: +61 (0)431 293 861 / E: ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest providers of healthcare in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of almost one million people in Melbourne's western suburbs. With more than 12,500 staff, Western Health provides 800,000+ occasions of care every year.
Western Health manages acute public hospitals comprising Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women's and Children's), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital, Bacchus Marsh Hospital and Melton Regional Hospital. Western Health also operates Sunbury Community Hospital, Boollam Boollam in Williamstown, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre, Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh, and the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre in Sunshine.
Western Health provides a comprehensive, integrated range of clinical services from its various sites ranging from mental health and wellbeing services, and acute tertiary services in areas of emergency medicine, intensive care, medical and surgical services, through to subacute care and onsite and virtual ambulatory clinics. Western Health's specialised services include oncology, renal, women's health including maternity, chronic disease, geriatrics, and cardiology.
Western Health provides a combination of hospital, community-based and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Western Health also provides the primary health care service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and offers drug health and addiction medicine support through its inpatient service and community Drug Health Service.
Western Health has a strong philosophy of working with our local community to deliver excellence in patient care.
Our Purpose
Leading the delivery of a connected and consistent patient experience and providing the best care to save and improve the lives of those in our community most in need.
Our Values
Compassion - consistently acting with empathy and integrity.
Accountability - taking responsibility for our decisions and actions.
Respect - for the rights, beliefs and choice of every individual.
Excellence - inspiring and motivating innovation and achievement.
Safety - prioritising safety as an essential part of everyday practice.
Five Strategic Directions
The Strategic Plan is underpinned by 5 strategic directions that guide our approach to work, our planning and design, and our decision making. The directions have remained constant as these continue to be relevant to guide Western Health into the future, with refreshed initiatives and programs of work sitting underneath.
Our strategic directions are:
1. We partner with patients, consumers, families and carers
Our patients, consumers, their families and carers are actively involved in their care and the design of approaches that support their choices and individual needs.
2. We care for our people
Our staff and volunteers are supported, engaged and equipped to embrace a dynamic future.
3. We deliver services for the future
Our services are developed to improve access to high-quality, connected care and deliver better health outcomes for our community.
4. We are better together
Our respectful relationships with our community, system-wide partners and each other drive collaboration and better outcomes.
5. We discover and learn
Our commitment to innovate, discover and learn inspires us to shape the healthcare of the future.
Division of Aged, General Medicine, and Subacute Services
The Division of Aged, General Medicine, and Subacute Services delivers high-quality healthcare to patients across various acute and subacute inpatient units, including General Medicine, Acute Aged Care, Geriatric Evaluation Medicine, Rehabilitation, Transition Care, and Residential Aged Care at multiple Western Health locations. With a diverse workforce comprising 650 equivalent full-time positions and an annual operating budget of $110 million, the Division plays a crucial role in the healthcare continuum, offering acute care in emergency departments and inpatient wards through to subacute care and community support. Timely access to care is ensured through its Subacute and Non-acute Assessment and Pathways (SNAP) service, facilitating smooth transitions between care settings for individuals. The service goals include:
- To provide high quality and safe care
- To involve the patient in their care and provide a positive patient experience
- To enable people to achieve their best health outcomes
- To minimise long term care needs
- To support people requiring end-of-life care
- To improve patient flow by supporting clinically appropriate and timely transfer and where possible through direct admissions to subacute inpatient services
The care we deliver is underpinned by the following principles:
- Place the patient and their family at the centre of their care
- Ensure care is based on the best available evidence
- Embed an inter-professional approach to care
- Deliver care in the most appropriate setting
- Coordinate and integrate care across all settings
- Promote health independence and positive ageing
- Facilitate Advanced Care Planning
- Support end-of-life care where clinically indicated
The Division will continue to innovate and develop services across the Western Health campuses to ensure Best Care for the community of Western Melbourne. Critical strategic and operational projects include the move into the new Footscray Hospital in early 2026, and the development of the new Melton Hospital, planned to open in 2029.
General Medicine Unit
The General Medicine Unit is one of the largest and busiest inpatient units at Western Health. It is comprised of 11.9 FTE of SMS, 18 Advanced Trainees, and has approximately 60 basic physician trainees and interns rotating through the unit. These staff work within 10 teams, 6 at Sunshine and 4 at Footscray, as well as within a supportive consultative capacity for other units in the hospital, and in outpatient clinics at both sites. Our specialists are passionate about the management of complex and acute care and manage the wide variety of complex patient presentations for the vulnerable population of Western Health’s catchment. Our staff have dual specialty appointments and wide-ranging subspecialty interests, including perioperative medicine, medical education and complex disability, which complement the unit. The changing landscape of general medicine and population needs since the Covid-19 pandemic have ensured that our clinicians are adaptable, capable of working at surge capacity, and ongoingly review clinical processes to ensure optimal patient care.
The unit provides strong medical training experience for both Basic Physician Training and Advanced Trainees and General and Acute Care Medicine. As a key stakeholder in BPT, the General Medicine Unit works closely with the Director of Physician Education and the Medical Education Unit to offer a strong, practical teaching program and well-supported preparation for the RACP written and clinical examinations. The comprehensive Advanced Physician Training program in General and Acute Care Medicine provides an excellent backbone for consultant practice, with a good grounding in core general medicine, as well as a breadth of subspecialty options and core general medicine related rotations (senior medical registrar and HITH roles). An in-house education program, coordinated by the General Medicine Education Leads, assists in strengthening general medicine learning across all levels of training.
The unit is closely associated with the University of Melbourne Western Clinical School and has an active research program and consultants with experience in supporting productive advanced training projects. There are also opportunities for future higher degree research training projects/PhD.
Check out the design of the new Melton Hospital!
Set to become Australia’s first all-electric hospital, designs reveal key internal and external spaces, including the main entrance, façade and patient rooms – focusing on natural light, access to nature and outdoor spaces.
The Victorian Government has committed more than $900 million to deliver a new Melton Hospital in 2029.
The brand-new hospital will support the growing and diverse communities of Caroline Springs, Rockbank, Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Gisborne. It will ensure the people of Melbourne's west get the care they need, close to home.
The Melton Hospital will include a 24-hour emergency department, at least 274 beds, an intensive care unit, maternity and neonatal services, mental health services, radiology services and ambulatory care.
Once completed, Melton Hospital will have the capacity to treat 130,000 patients each year and see almost 60,000 patients in the emergency department.
The hospital will be Victoria’s first all-electric hospital.
The Exemplar Health consortium has been awarded the contract to deliver the new Melton Hospital, with major construction underway. Construction of your new Melton Hospital is on track for completion in 2029.
Role Specification
The Director of General Medicine is responsible for supporting the Clinical Services Director and Divisional Director to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe and timely care, including overseeing clinical governance, workforce development, and service improvement in alignment with division and organisational goals. This senior leadership role is responsible for the provision of effective and efficient leadership, strategic direction, operational, and financial performance for the General Medicine Unit.
The Director is accountable for ensuring effective management of access and flow, optimising inpatient capacity, and facilitating timely admissions, discharges, and follow-up in collaboration with key hospital departments and external partners.
In addition, the role is responsible for fostering a strong, engaged multidisciplinary team culture through sound staff management, including recruitment, supervision, performance development, and wellbeing support for both senior and junior medical staff. The Director will lead continuous quality improvement initiatives, ensure compliance with accreditation and safety standards, and support innovation in models of care.
The position also holds responsibility for the financial performance of the unit, including budget planning, resource allocation, and identification of cost-effective practices that maintain or improve service delivery.
This position will be supported by Site Directors at both Sunshine and Footscray Hospitals and will also oversee the expansion of General Medicine to the new Melton Hospital by 2029. The Director will ensure standardised, equitable care for patients across all WH sites.
Role Specific Responsibilities
- Ensure standardised, equitable care and consistent departmental processes across all sites, underpinned by a strong quality and safety culture.
- Review and optimise models of care and clinical workflows to meet patient needs and organisational priorities, with a focus on timely access and patient flow.
- Lead strategic workforce planning for senior and junior medical staff, aligned with EBA provisions and RACP training requirements, to support high-quality care and staff well-being.
- Oversee service delivery with sound financial stewardship, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of resources.
Key Outcomes:
- The key outcomes for this role will be identified in the performance plan and should align with Western Health’s Strategic goals, organisational business plan and directorial business plan.
- Delivery of outcomes as identified in the Statement of Priorities as agreed between Western Health and the Department of Health.
- Ensure medical staff are appropriately registered, credentialed and working within their scope of practice
- Ensure awareness of clinical experience and proficiency of junior medical staff who are delegated to deliver care, and provide supervision for, and be accountable for the care delivered
- Provide leadership and support for direct reports, appraise their performance, and ensure staff complete mandatory and required training, leave is appropriately managed
- Timely follow up with any staff clinical or behavioural performance concerns with relevant business partner and Clinical Services Director
- Manage and operate in accordance with Western Health Human Resource policy and practice in all matters relating to recruitment and employment
- In collaboration with the Clinical Services Director and Divisional Director, manage services to provide efficient models of care and to monitor activity, KPIs and budget performance
- Analyse and use data to guide decisions and evaluate outcomes
- In partnership with the Divisional leadership, be involved in the management of the department’s budget, development and monitoring of financial risk reduction and identify and implement strategies for cost control
- Assume responsibility for the quality of patient care provided within the unit, and ensure that clinical procedures are performed in accordance with the relevant Western Health policies and procedures
- Ensure that procedures are in place so that continuity of care and follow-up for patients occurs by communicating appropriately with other practitioners including community general practitioners
- Participate in the development, implementation and revision of treatment protocols and ensure adherence to best practice standards appropriate to each department through the utilisation and development of clinical guidelines
- Identify and report service risk in a timely manner to the Clinical Services Director and Divisional Director
- Support the Director of Advanced Physician Training in General and Acute Care Medicine to maintain, deliver and develop a high-quality training program at Western Health, particularly by supporting the initiation, conduct and completion of advanced training research projects
- Grow the research agenda and output within the unit
- Actively contribute to Western Health’s ongoing development, i.e. through involvement in hospital wide activities, national and/or international organisations
- Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency as a specialist medical practitioner Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
- Approved for adult general medicine scope of practice at Western Health
- Proven clinical skills and experience
- Relevant management experience
- Experience in the support and supervision of senior and junior medical staff
- Well developed communication skills in interactions with relevant clinical, administrative and executive staff as well as patients and carers
- A highly ethical approach to patients, colleagues and the organisation
- Skill and maturity in problem solving, negotiation and conflict resolution
- A high-level ability to make decisions and support rationale, clearly communicate decisions to relevant parties
- Understanding of activity settings and budget management
- Maintain confidentiality of patient, institutional and staff information
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- The ability to analyse own performance in accordance with position expectations
- The ability to develop goals and implement plans to meet those goals
- Participation in and contribution in organisational committees, teams and projects in keeping with the organisation's strategic goals
- Seeks out and is receptive to feedback from colleagues at all levels for the purpose of growth in the role
- Knowledge of health issues in relation to Western Health's catchments
- Acknowledgement of Western Health strategic themes
Reports To: Clinical Services Director, AGMS
Positions reporting to this role: Site Director Footscray Hospital, Site Director Sunshine Hospital, Director of Advanced Training.
Total employee management (EFT): 11 FTE SMS
Key Working Relationships:
Internal:
- Clinical Services Director, AGMS
- Divisional Director, AGMS
- Operations Managers for General Medicine
- Deputy Director Operational Performance & Transformation, AGMS
- Site Directors for General Medicine at Sunshine and Footscray Hospitals
- Director of Advanced Physician Training in General and Acute Care Medicine
- General Medicine Senior and Junior Medical Staff
- Nursing and Allied Health Staff
- Patient Support and Administrative Staff
- Medical Workforce Unit
- Director of Physician Education
- Medical Education Unit
- Other Department HOU/Directors
- Chief Medical Officer
- Office of Research
- Best Care Governance and Support Division
External:
- GP's
- Community Health Agencies
- Other Senior Medical Staff
- Ambulance Victoria
- Victoria Police
Strategic planning for the current activity and expected growth for General Medicine at Sunshine and Footscray Hospitals, for the move to the new Footscray Hospital and the expansion to the new Melton Hospital.
Provision of standardised, equitable care for patients across all sites, with continued collaboration with other sub-specialty units and further development of non-admitted pathways to support admitted activity.
To be discussed with HG Principal Consultant
Service Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Division: General Medicine Unit, Aged, General Medicine and Subacute Services Division
Classification: HM42
Annual Budget: $12.7m
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5254
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Aldie Zuñiga via azuniga@hardygroupintl.com / +61 (0)494 101 082
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant
- 2.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Lynette Taylor
HardyGroup Executive Director, Search & Recruitment
M. +61 (0)431 293 861
E. ltaylor@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN MELBOURNE
Regularly ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne offers a vibrant lifestyle that combines cultural sophistication with a relaxed Australian atmosphere.
Often referred to as the nation’s cultural capital, the city is renowned for its festivals, food, music, theatre, and art. From the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and White Night to Moomba and the Australian Open, there is always something to see or do.
Melbourne’s streets are a blend of heritage architecture and modern design. Its famous laneways are dotted with cafés, street art, and hidden galleries. Popular landmarks include Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Zoo, and the National Gallery of Victoria. Beyond the city, residents can easily access scenic destinations such as the Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, and Great Ocean Road.
One of Melbourne's many art-covered alleyways. Photo Credit.
Carlton
Carlton is a culturally diverse suburb known for its Italian eateries on Lygon Street, Victorian-era architecture, and green parks. With 55% of residents born overseas and nearly half speaking a language other than English at home, it has a strong multicultural character.
Carlton is a vibrant suburb popular with local and international students attending nearby universities such as Melbourne and RMIT. Its 'City North' precinct blends warehouses, university facilities, and offices. The area also boasts diverse cultural, educational, and residential amenities, including the Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum, and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building.
Napier, Albion and Rose Street's are great spots for a coffee and shop in Essendon. Photo Credit.
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School Music Centre. Photo Credit.
Williamstown
Williamstown offers a highly desirable bayside lifestyle, featuring scenic waterfront views, a tranquil boardwalk, and ample parks perfect for outdoor activities like cycling, jogging, and picnicking.
The suburb combines a vibrant community atmosphere with a wide range of amenities, including popular cafés, restaurants, and bars. Its waterfront location also provides excellent opportunities for aquatic activities, with sailing clubs and a YMCA rowing centre catering to water sports enthusiasts. Whether for leisure, lifestyle, or investment, Williamstown appeals to both residents and visitors alike.
Point Cook Coastal Park. Photography Credit.
The area includes several parks, reserves, and wetlands including Point Cook Coastal Park, Cheetham Wetlands, and Point Cook homestead Victoria Park. The Cheetham Wetlands is a prime bird-watching spot with over 200 species recorded there. There are also numerous sporting facilities in the area such as a golf course, tennis courts, soccer fields, cricket pitches, and basketball courts.
Point Cook is well-connected to Melbourne via road networks as well as public transport options such as trains or buses. The nearest railway station is Williams Landing which is located 8 km away from the suburb's center while there are four bus routes servicing Point Cook directly. Shopping centers such as Point Cook Town Centre provide all necessary amenities in one convenient location. All in all, living in Point Cook provides a great balance between urban amenities and nature's beauty.
Geelong
As one of Australia’s largest urban centres, Geelong provides the perfect environment to achieve work/life balance. Geelong is Victoria’s largest provincial city, located one-hour’s drive southwest of the State capital Melbourne. The Region is an important contributor to the Victorian State economy.
Famous for our big city feel without the congestion, the stunning coastline, diverse night life and food culture, Geelong is a place for everyone. Getting around is simple with easy to navigate road networks and intelligent bus networks making for a highly accessible city. Spend more time doing the things you love with sporting facilities, shopping and café precincts within arms reach across Geelong. Geelong is famous for sport and leisure, with the second oldest Australian Football team (with great recent success!) and great opportunities to play a wide range of sports.
Geelong Grammar School is a prestigious co-educational school with multiple campuses, including its main Corio Bay location and the renowned Timbertop campus for Year 9. It offers a holistic education from Early Learning to Year 12, integrating academic excellence with wellbeing through its pioneering Positive Education program developed with the University of Pennsylvania. The school is known for its strong boarding tradition, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive co-curricular offerings in sport, music, drama, and outdoor education.
The Geelong College, located in Newtown, is a well-regarded co-educational day and boarding school for students from Early Learning to Year 12. It combines academic strength with a focus on character development, creativity, and community engagement. The College offers innovative learning programs supported by modern facilities, a rich tradition, and a vibrant culture expressed through achievements in the arts and sport.
Flinders Street Station at night. Photo Credit
A wide variety of housing options are available, from contemporary city apartments to spacious suburban homes. Neighbourhoods have their own unique character, whether it’s the beachside charm of St Kilda, the urban energy of Fitzroy, or the family-friendly feel of suburbs to the east. Melbourne also offers a reliable public transport system, including trams, trains and buses, making it easy to navigate.
Families benefit from access to quality education, with a mix of well-regarded public and private schools, as well as some of Australia’s top universities. The city’s multicultural population adds to its welcoming and inclusive feel, offering a strong sense of community.
Carlton Gardens. Photography Credit.
Essendon
Essendon, Melbourne, is a desirable suburb known for its blend of urban convenience and a family-friendly atmosphere. It offers a mix of charming, tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a strong community feel. Its proximity to Melbourne's CBD, coupled with good transport links, makes it attractive to both families and professionals.
Essendon’s Mar Lodge estate, a prestigious 1920s subdivision between McCracken and Hedderwick streets, is highly sought after for its large blocks and exclusivity. Protected by a single-dwelling covenant but without a heritage overlay, the area allows for substantial renovations or new builds without the risk of nearby apartment developments, preserving privacy and the character of its grand Edwardian homes.
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS) is a highly respected independent co-educational school with campuses in Essendon, Moonee Ponds, and Keilor East. The school offers a progressive academic curriculum from Early Learning through to Year 12, with a focus on intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and global thinking. Known for its academic achievements, PEGS also excels in sports, music, drama, and debating. The senior school campus in Keilor East features modern learning spaces, extensive sporting grounds, and facilities that support a wide range of co-curricular activities.
Williamstown Beach. Photo Credit.
Point Cook
Point Cook boasts 20 kilometers of coastline, making it the ideal spot for beach lovers. The beaches here are breathtakingly beautiful and provide plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, surfing, and other water activities. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of running tracks and bike paths throughout the area. There is also a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that offer delicious meals at affordable prices.
Point Cook is also well known for its schools and educational facilities - after all, Victoria is one of Australia's top educational states! With excellent primary schools as well as secondary colleges like Point Cook Senior Secondary College and Altona P-12 College nearby, parents can rest assured that their children will receive the best education possible. There are also plenty of childcare options in the area if needed.
Point Cook | Walker Corporation. Photo Credit.
Geelong, VIC. Photography Credit.
Geelong Grammar School. Photo Credit.
Melbourne combines culture, lifestyle, and liveability, making it an ideal place to settle and enjoy all that a world-class city has to offer.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.