Blackwater Hospital, QLD
About
Blackwater Hospital offers doctors a professionally rewarding experience characterised by autonomy, community impact, and opportunities for skill development in a supportive rural environment. Ideal doctors possess a blend of clinical expertise, strong communication skills, adaptability, and a passion for rural healthcare, enabling them to thrive in this unique setting.
Key facts
Hours and On-call
- 10 hour shifts
- Shared on-call with support from Emerald via VRGS ensuring appropriate fatigue management
- AM shift - 0730-1800
- PM shift - 1200-2000
Location:
Blackwater, Central HHS, QLD
Payment Frequency:
Weekly payroll
Orientation
Full orientation and checklist provided two weeks before starting with logins and passwords as well as first day induction.
Why work at this Hospital
The appeal of working in Blackwater lies in the chance to practice independently while enjoying a consistent locum role. Building trust with the nursing staff there ensures excellent support.
The work offers a balanced mix, primarily focused on straightforward medical practice complemented by occupational health from the mines, occasional First Nations medicine, and handling trauma and serious illnesses that can be stabilised and transferred to Emerald or Rockhampton. Doctors in Blackwater receive support in managing fatigue through tele-support from both Emerald and RSQ Telehealth (RSQt).
"I really enjoy working in Blackwater because it is quite a simple, clarified version of rural emergency work. People are really appreciative and you work one on one with great nurses." Dr Andrew Scott, DMS at Emerald Hospital & Central Highlands
Complexities, inpatients, and ED presentations
Doctors will primarily manage the ED and provide inpatient care for 1-2 patients. Blackwater is a small, 16 bed MPS.
The hospital emphasises point-of-care testing and collaboration with a skilled nursing team who will do a lot of the "heavy lifting'.
Due to the isolated location, doctors also have access to specialist conultation from Emerald for higher acuity cases.
Hospital team and culture:
- 2 SMO's rostered on a day (one is usually an experienced, local SMO)
- Ample Nursing support
- VRGS support from Emerald
- A great environemnt for doctor adept at managing diverse medical conditions with limited resources.
Mental health support:
Access to both EAP and DNA's partnership with MyMirror
Impact on local community:
The hospital plays a crucial role in providing medical services to the community, including emergency care and obstetrics.
Accommodation details:
A self contained, private unit close to the hospital with everything you will need.
Things to do in the area:
Just an hours drive from Emerald, Blackwater is a small mining town with a population of about 5000 people.
The town was built with the view to keep the miners happy. As such, it has all expected amenities you need including a Woolies, two Gyms, a golf course and a decent selection of Cafes and restaurants.
A close knit community, you will be welcomed with open arms.
DNA Healthcare success stories
We’ve had the pleasure of placing thousands of healthcare professionals at hospitals and organisations across Australia. Hear about their experience with DNA Healthcare.
I am a GP and rural generalist, and DNA Medical Recruitment is my locum agency. With them I have never felt like an asset, but rather as member of a team helping to provide rural health services where it is needed. At the same time I am seen as an individual with my own needs and requirements, and respected as such. Eamon as my personal contact and recruiter and is professional, reliable and friendly. He has a thorough understanding of the field and is always up to date.
Rural Generalist
At the same time I am seen as an individual with my own needs and requirements, and respected as such. Eamon as my personal contact and recruiter and is professional, reliable and friendly. He has a thorough understanding of the field and is always up to date.
Rural Generalist
James and Eamon are brilliant. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Thorough, attentive, responsive and super friendly. Great service ! They have enabled a terrific locum experience over the last 8-9 months
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I recently had the pleasure of working with Eamon as my medical recruit officer, and I must say that my experience was exceptional. From the moment I reached out for assistance, Eamon demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication.
General Practitioner
Eamon’s knowledge and expertise in the medical field were evident throughout our interactions. He took the time to thoroughly understand my needs and provided valuable guidance, ensuring that I was well-prepared for the recruitment process.
General Practitioner
Can’t speak highly enough for this agency. They gave me the opportunity to work in WA after weeks of waiting for a job from WA pool and applications for RN jobs.
Nurse
Martin and the team are very approachable and professional. It was an easy process to join the agency . Will certainly contact them in the future if I need to.
Nurse
Have exclusively used DNA and David Pereira for three years now for all my Locum placements. DNA have a very personalised team. They do “everything” and have created opportunities and maximised my returns above and beyond the advertised rate.
Locum Doctor
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