Physiotherapist

• Role: Physiotherpist
• This position is based at the Waikato Hospital
• Part time to Full Time 1 FTE (32-40 hours per week)

Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced physiotherapist who exemplifies collaboration and autonomy, is adaptable and resourceful, and can accurately assess patients in our busy emergency department. This is not an advanced practitioner role.

As a successful candidate you will play a key role in assessing and treating patients on the acute medical floors and designing treatment plans. The ED component requires you to screen our ED patients to determine whether admission or discharge clearance is appropriate. You will be expected to work at pace and develop high trust relationships with our multi-disciplinary staff in the ED to provide accurate diagnosis and clear directives to help optimise hospital flow, with support from our medical team. This position involves all aspects of physiotherapy practice in an academic tertiary hospital setting in one of New Zealand's fastest growing regions. Our emergency department is the regional tertiary centre for Te Manawa Taki. We offer peer review, supervision, continuing education and professional development, comprehensive online information and an excellent library of resources.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of patients' physical conditions, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, to diagnose presenting issues along with their functional limitations.
• Develop individualised treatment recommendations, including referrals and self-management plans to ensure patients receive the right care in the right setting.
• Educate patients on their assessment findings, their rehabilitation needs, and self-management strategies to encourage active participation in their recovery process.
• Work closely with doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and facilitate coordinated treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, progress notes, and treatment plans, in compliance with health regulations and confidentiality standards.
• Participate in ongoing professional development through training, workshops, and staying updated with the latest physiotherapy practices and evidence-based research to ensure high-quality patient care.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Physiotherapy service is powered by a dedicated team of approximately 100 staff, including physiotherapists, assistants and administrators, who work across a vast geographical area covered by Health New Zealand \| Te Whatu Ora Waikato. The physiotherapy team spans Waikato, Thames, Tokoroa, Te Kuiti and Taumaranui hospitals. Each member of our team plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality care that promotes health, wellbeing, and independence for the patients and whanau in the communities we serve. We are committed to supporting and training our staff to maintain a high standard of evidence-based practice, ensuring that the care we provide is equitable, efficient, and effective.

At the heart of our service is a friendly, supportive team environment where staff are encouraged to grow and develop. As part of our dynamic team, youll face new challenges every day in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. You'll work closely with peers to prioritise patient care, delivering impactful therapy sessions that directly benefit patients lives and the wider Waikato community.

About you

Essentially, we would be looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Current New Zealand Physiotherapy registration with a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC).
• Experience in a similar acute hospital setting is essential.
• Experience in musculoskeletal, respiratory care and vestibular physiotherapy is preferred.
• Strong assessment skills and familiarity with using evidence informed decision making to deliver optimal patient outcomes.
• Demonstrated passion for continuous learning, with a proactive approach to adapting to new clinical challenges and gaining experience across different specialties.
• Exceptional time management skills, ensuring efficient handling of a diverse caseload while maintaining high-quality care.

How to Apply

To apply please click Apply online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 9 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact the hiring manager [email protected]

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.