This position provides medical leadership and high-quality clinical services as a part of the multidisciplinary team delivering integrated primary, community, and secondary level health services to the Indigenous community of Palm Island in the locations of the Joyce Palmer Health Service and the Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre.

The Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre opened in 2022, with subsequent transition of services from Queensland Health to the Palm Island Community Company (PICC).

Medical Officers will be appointed to work on Palm Island, and it is expected that the medical officers of Joyce Palmer Health Service will work in the Primary Care Centre on rotation, and they will assist in maintaining functional connections between the two teams to ensure continuity of care for patients.

• Provide leadership of the multidisciplinary team to provide culturally appropriate care by being a role model, reviewing and developing care processes, monitoring emerging issues and leading change.
• Responsible for medical workforce planning, management and development, education, training and research, and clinical experience and leadership development.
• Ensure close cooperation with all internal and external partners to focus delivery of integrated health services to the community.
• Foster links and collaborate with the Townsville University Hospital to ensure optimal services are provided to individuals who require or have received care at a tertiary facility.
• Undertake clinical responsibilities including on call by providing patient care, utilisation of electronic health systems, liaising with other doctors, and hospitals for referrals, and maintaining appropriate records and confidentiality.
• Manage and participate in clinical governance by proactively managing patient feedback, attending peer review audits, monitoring care outcomes and reporting promptly to Medical Director – Rural Hospitals Service Group any significant concerns with quality of care.
• Participate in the Health Service Management meetings and provide leadership in relation to strategic initiatives to improve the performance of the Health Service e.g. revenue, utilisation of care plans, engagement and partnering with other health services.
• Provision of evidence-based and quality clinical care of individual patients in all domains of medical practice:
  • Patient Interview
  • Clinical examination
  • Identification of clinical problems and health opportunitie
  • Plan of overall clinical care and health promotion
  • Maintenance of concise but comprehensive, accurate, legible records of patient status and progress and associated correspondence.
• Establish and maintain quality professional communication with individual patients, relatives, guardians and all relevant health professionals necessary for quality clinical care outcomes, including for the transfer of responsibility of clinical care.
• Support the escalation of issues to appropriate Director of Nursing/Facility Manager or Health Service Manager.

As Medical Officer of the Townsville Hosptital and Health Service, you are responsible for:

• The maintenance of appropriate Credentials and working within your awarded Scope of Clinical Practice (SoCP) as determined by the HHS as limited by the Clinical Service Capability Framework (CSCF) of individual facilities. At a minimum, this will require maintenance of registration as a (specialist) medical practitioner in a discipline relevant to the position as outlined above,
• The provision of high-level knowledge and skills within the discipline/department.
• To provide expert consultation and advice directly to patients, as well as within the organisation as required.
• To provide expert clinical service to patients of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service as directed within the above Scope of Clinical Practice.

As a medical Professional you are responsible for:

• Actively taking part in Quality Improvement, Risk Management, Peer Review and Audit and to demonstrate positive change as a result. Including support for National and College quality standards.
• Demonstrating ethical practice and decision making — in both clinical and non-clinical areas; including fulfilling all responsibilities of this role in accordance with Queensland Health’s core values, and the Queensland Public Service Code of Conduct at all times.
• Undertaking self-initiated Reflective Practice and maintenance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain professional competence and expertise.
• Ensuring high quality and timely Clinical and Non-Clinical Documentation and Management of Information whether paper-based or enabled by information technology. This includes being responsible for the quality and timeliness of documentation of medical staff who report to you, including junior doctors.
• Demonstrating Leadership and providing Clinical Governance and Supervision of staff reporting to you, including junior medical staff.
• Being aware of, and complying with Legislation that applies to your area, as well as contributing to, and following Queensland Health, HHS and Local Policies and Procedures as published from time to time.
• Supporting and/or Undertaking Research within your area of practice, including the obtaining of research funding where possible (within the Ethics framework as outlined above).
• Actively supporting and undertaking Teaching of Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Clinical Staff including medical and non-medical clinicians as well as non-clinical staff as required.
• Developing and maintaining Effective Working Relationships in dealings with colleagues and patients/clients as well as external stakeholders.
• Developing, displaying and utilising high level Communication Skills in all modalities.
• Professional quality written communication in all documentation, including the medical record.

As a Medical Superintendent your are responsible for:

• Financial, human resource and procurement delegations, which are detailed in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service and departmental delegation’s manual.
• Provide support and assistance to the Service Group Director and Medical Director with strategic and operational planning; to achieve the integration of primary and secondary health care; to meet administrative and financial responsibilities including fair, and cost-efficient rostering of medical staff.
• Management of Resources available to you, including Value Management to reduce waste, and ensure that the resources available are used to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of patients/clients.
• Ensure safety and quality of the service is maintained and support the quality and clinical governance programme of the THHS.
• Provide leadership and guidance with regard to implementation of counter disaster plan for Joyce Palmer Health Service, reviewing on a regular basis as to their appropriateness.

As a Health Advocate, you are responsible for:

• Assisting the community, JPHS and THHS identify current problems, future trends, potential funding sources and service options to inform service planning and improvement.
• Being a community and patient advocate and engaging positively with community, patients and their extended family and carers.
• Supporting community development initiatives including designated Indigenous employment positions and their personal development.
• Facilitating community capacity and genuine community engagement.
• Assisting to identify future trends and contributing to/undertaking Planning for the health service.
• Actively engaging in Technology Assessment and Systems Improvement initiatives within your SoCP.

Additional:

• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role primarily in accordance with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) core values, as outlined below, and in accordance with the values outlined for the public service with the Queensland Government.
• Ensure that service standards, safety and quality are maintained through adherence to defined service quality standards and relevant occupational health and safety policies, procedures and work practices.
• Implement and monitor the organisation's quality standards, occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs and provide clinical governance in the relevant work area.
• Some roles within Queensland Health are designated as Vaccination Preventable Disease (VPD) risk roles. (This is a VPD risk role)

• Fellowship of either the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) or equivalent Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP-RG) i.e., Rural Generalist or FRACGP candidates with similar rural and / or ED experience.
• Post graduate qualifications and demonstrated capability and experience in at least one of the following Advanced Skills disciplines is highly desirable: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Emergency Medicine, Rural and Remote. Demonstrated capability in procedural obstetrics would be well regarded.
• Appointment to this position requires proof of qualification and registration or membership (if applicable) with the appropriate registration authority or association. Certified copies of the required information must be provided to the appropriate supervisor/manager prior to commencement of clinical duties.
• All applicants must be awarded SoCP by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service Credentialing and SoCP Committee. All appointments are subject to maintenance of the SoCP with the CSCF for the facilities in which clinical work is to be undertaken.
• The role will participate in the On-Call roster.
• The successful applicant will be required to possess a C class motor vehicle licence.
• Travel: from time to time this position may be required to travel to and work at other facilities located within the THHS network to participate in quality, training or outreach services. This may involve day and or overnight stays. Advanced notice of this travel will be communicated. The successful applicant/s will need to be able to commit to this requirement.
• Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD): Health Care Workers in Queensland Health whose occupation poses a potential risk of exposure to blood or body fluids are required to provide evidence of vaccinations or proof that they are not susceptible (due to prior exposure to the disease and therefore have natural immunity) to the following VPD's Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella and Pertussis (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis containing vaccine) according to the Queensland Health Policy.

1. 1.Demonstrated competence in rural generalist practice which is practiced at a high level of clinical acumen and cultural capability relevant to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
2. 2.Demonstrated competence in medical administration skills and clinical problem solving at an advanced level that is relevant to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
3. 3.Demonstrated willingness to participate in research activity and facilitate teaching of all clinical staff.
4. 4.Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the principles of quality improvement, and relevant standards to achieve quality health care outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
5. 5.The ability to develop and implement initiatives to ensure effective delivery of high-quality care to patients and their families.
6. 6.Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, including interpersonal, negotiation, organizational and time management, skills in a multi-disciplinary professional staff environment in leading and developing a team.
7. 7.Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff in line with quality human resource management practices including employment equity, anti-discrimination, occupational health and safety, and ethical behaviour and demonstrated commitment to their implementation.

This position reports to the Service Group Director and the Medical Director Rural Hospitals and Indigenous Health Service Services Group.

• Direct Reports: 7 FTE (4 SMO, 1 Intern, 1 JHO and 1 Registrar)

The total remuneration package range is from $268,802 to $369,230 inclusive of:

• Base salary: $182, 106 - $266,677
• Super Estimate: $30,396 - $41,753
• Motor Vehicle Allowances: $21,500 - $25,500
• Professional Development Allowance: $21,500
• Inaccessibility Incentive Allowance (category 1): $48,300

Other Benefits:

The Regional and Rural Attraction Allowance is 10% of base + Clinical Managers Allowance level 3 ($16,828).

While the opportunity to serve the Palm Island community is both rewarding and impactful, the role comes with its unique set of challenges, including:

• Reputational Damage to the Service: As part of an evolving healthcare service model, there is a potential challenge in navigating reputational concerns. Ensuring the ongoing trust of the community and other stakeholders in the quality of care provided is crucial. Addressing these concerns and maintaining a positive service reputation will require proactive communication, dedication to quality, and a commitment to patient-centered care.
• Business Case to Improve Staffing Model: With the transition of services to community control and ongoing integration between the Joyce Palmer Health Service and the Palm Island Primary Health Care Centre, there is an ongoing need to advocate for improvements in staffing models. Developing and presenting a strong business case to secure additional resources and workforce capacity will be important for ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the healthcare services provided to the Palm Island community
• Candidates should be prepared to contribute to these efforts while working to strengthen both service delivery and community relationships.

Service Location: Palm Island

Classification: L13 - L27

Role Description

Townsville HHS Strategic Plan 2022 - 2026

Townsville HHS Website

Palm Island Health Service

Palm Island Community Company

Role Description

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 23 March 2025

The reference number to include in your application is H25_5014

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, Natasha Tirado: M: +61 (0)468 301 310 / E: [email protected]

Your application must include:

1. 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
2. 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
3. 3.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:

Rhodie Miller
​HardyGroup Principal Consultant

M. +61 (0)422 816 557

E. [email protected]