POSITION DESCRIPTION

Senior Resident Medical Officer

Organisation NSW Health

Local Health District / Agency Western Sydney Local Health District
Position Classification JMO Senior Resident Medical Officer
State Award Public Hospital Medical Officers (State) Award
Category Medical Officers | Intensive Care Medicine
Vaccination Category A+
Website www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/

PRIMARY PURPOSE
The purpose of a Senior Resident Medical Officer (SRMO) in Critical Care at Blacktown-Mt Druitt Hospitals is to
provide medical care and support, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, that is consistent with the level of clinical
training, skills and experience of the appointee. This position would suit applicants who are interested in pursuing a
career in Intensive Care, Anaesthetics or Emergency Medicine.

This position is rotational, comprising of 4 terms which may include a secondment to Bathurst Hospital:

• Anaesthetics (Bathurst or Blacktown)

• Intensive Care (Blacktown)
• Emergency (Blacktown or Mount Druitt)
• Relief

The SRMO will be assigned to different clinical specialties (Intensive Care, Anaesthetics, Emergency Medicine and
Relief) during the year where they will participate in assessment and management of patients under the supervision of
senior practitioners whilst developing their knowledge and skills in clinical decision making and practice.

RESPIRATOR USE
NSW Health workers may be required to use a respirator, as part of their appointment with NSW Health. Where a
respirator is required for use, workers will be instructed in their safe use; including donning, doffing and fit checking.
Staff may be required to complete fit testing to selected respirator/s to assess their facial fit/seal.

At all times when a health worker is required to use a respirator, the health worker must not have any facial hair
present. Processes are in place to support workers that need to keep facial hair due to religious observance
requirements and/ or health conditions.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• MBBS or equivalent, current general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
• Must have completed at least two postgraduate years training including a minimum 12 Months
experience in an Australian Public Hospital or equivalent (not as an Observer) including rotations in

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Emergency Medicine, ICU and/or Anaesthetics.

• This position is subject to an appropriate supervision level which can be supported by the health
agency. If the incumbent's registration conditions include supervision requirements, the level of
supervision must be able to be supported by the health agency for this role.
• Sufficient clinical experience to undertake the key accountabilities for this role.
• Valid NSW Working with Children Check.
• Cleared National Police Check.
• Aged Care Check for Australian Government funded positions.
• To be employed by NSW Health you are required to provide evidence of vaccination to comply with the
NSW Health Occupational Assessment, Screening & Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases
Policy, this includes any amendments made from time to time.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Initial assessment of patients presenting for care, and communication of assessment and proposed
management plans to the appropriate senior medical staff and regularly review patients and
communicate any significant changes in condition to the appropriate Consultant.
• Recognition of the acutely unwell patient and initiation of immediate management Basic Life Support.
Completion of ALS desirable.
• Accurately recording history and examination, management plans, investigations and action taken in the
patient's medical records including daily progress notes.
• Routine ordering of radiology and pathology tests, prescribing appropriate medication and arranging
operative treatment or referral for consultation where required.
• Perform diagnostic/therapeutic procedures under supervision and at a level consistent with skill and
experience e.g. cannulation, lumbar puncture, insertion of central venous line, suturing.
• Review of all pathology, radiology and other diagnostic reports and communication of relevant results to
the Consultant and/or trainee.
• Ensure discharge summaries are completed accurately and in a timely fashion and liaise with General
Practitioners to ensure appropriate clinical handover as required.
• Assist in the supervision and education of PGY1&2 Junior Medical Officers and Medical Students
attached to the team, as directed by Senior Medical Officer. Perform procedures under instruction and
supervision, to assist with patient care and contribute to learning.
• Other duties as specified by the Director of Medical Services or their delegate.

KEY CHALLENGES

• Balancing professional development and hospital mandated training and education requirements with the
delivery of high level medical care and services in a challenging, demanding and varying environment.
• Participating in difficult and critical conversations with colleagues, patients, families, clients and carers.
• Maintaining the efficient utilisation and allocation of physical, human and financial resources in line with
facility and district performance benchmarks, budgets and financial targets.

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KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Who Why

Patients / Consumers / Families / Carers / To communicate information regarding hospitalisation,

Guardians accompanying a patient treatment, and progress in a sensitive, timely, and clear nature
as essential for optimal patient care and experience.

Consultants providing clinical supervision To enable positive working relationships whilst under direct
supervision to facilitate professional development. To
participate in discussion and decisions, escalate issues,
propose solutions, receive guidance, and provide regular
updates regarding patients and their management. To enable
supportive working connections whilst working in a challenging
and complex environment, with the aim of upholding personal
health and wellbeing.

Inpatient (ward) teams, including other clinical To co-coordinate patient care and follow up as part of a multi-
staff/streams/divisions across medical, nursing disciplinary team and across other supporting teams that is
and allied health timely, progressive and positive for each clinical care episode..
To promote positive working relationships between inpatient
professional groups, as well as support and maintain the need
for a cooperative, and harmonious multidisciplinary working
environment where everyone is supported to contribute and
share professional advice.

Community based health professionals and To maintain continuity of high level health care in the transition
services, including General Practitioners and to home and local based care. To provide the patient with links
emergency services such as Police and to non-hospital based clinicians and emergency services and
Ambulance assistance with identifying sources of information to achieve
health outcomes. To promote best clinical practice through
collaborative efforts between primary care providers and
hospital providers.

SELECTION CRITERIA
1. MBBS or equivalent, current general registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
2. Advanced ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the planning, delivery and
coordination of patient care.
3. Advanced written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively and respectfully
with patients, family members and other members of the health care team.
4. Advanced organisational and time management skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a
complex environment.
5. Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement, patient safety and risk management. Completion of
ALS training is required and must be completed within 3 months of commencing appointment.
6. Evidence of continuing professional development and commitment to self-education.
7. Demonstrated competency in clinical skills including advanced life support with ability to perform ALS
procedures (including endotracheal intubation and insertion of central lines, arterial lines and intercostal
catheters), interpreting patient history, physical examination, pathology, ECG and radiological
investigations to diagnose simple and complex presentations.
8. Ability and willingness to work at the facilities within the Network to deliver patient care and preparedness
and ability to participate in 24-hour shift work roster.

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Model the NSW Health CORE Values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment.
• Participate in after-hours rosters including nights and weekends OR participate in a 24/7 roster and may
be rostered to day, evening or night shits across a seven day roster.
• Participate in ward rounds and clinical handover, to transfer information, accountability and responsibility
for a patient or group of patients, following the ISBAR protocol, National Australian Standards.
• Complete mandatory training as required by the hospital, local health district or specialty network, and
NSW Health.
• Attend all applicable organisation-wide, hospital, department and role orientation sessions.
• Abide by all conditions/provisions of employment as outlined in the relevant Award.
• Conduct all required responsibilities and tasks of the role in a manner that is consistent with legislation,
local and state-wide delegations, procedures, policies and manuals, which include but are not limited to
the following areas:

• NSW Health Code of Conduct

• Performance management and development
• Work, health and safety
• Records management
• Confidentiality and privacy

• All staff are expected to take reasonable care that their acts and omissions do not adversely affect the
health and safety of others, that they comply with any reasonable instruction that is given to them and
• with any policies/procedures relating to health or safety in the workplace, as well as notifying any
hazards/risks or incidents to their managers.
• Act as role model and promote a culture and supporting practices that reflect the organisational values
through demonstrated behaviours and interactions with patients/clients/employees.
• Comply with supervision requirements as set out by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
Agency.

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