An initiative supported by NSW Health
NSW Physiotherapy Logo

Westmead Hospital (Stream 1 - 10 Acute Positions, Stream 2 - 2 Rehabilitation Positions)

On this page

    Participating hospital information 2023. Please contact the hospital directly if further information is required.

    Photos

    Click a photo to enlarge.

    Website

    https://www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Physiotherapy-Westmead-Hospital/Physiotherapy-at-Westmead-Hospital

    Address

    Corner Hawkesbury and Darcy Roads, WESTMEAD NSW 2145

    Manager/Contact

    Katherine Maka - Head of Department

    Telephone: 8890 7105

    Stephen Harvey - Deputy Head of Department

    Telephone: 88906503

    No of FYGs

    Stream 1 - Acute 10 positions. Stream 2 - Rehabilitation 2 positions

    No of Physios (PT) and Assistants (A)

    50 FTE

    No of Hospital Beds

    800

    Selection Criteria

    • Demonstrated skills in managing patients from diverse backgrounds.
    • Demonstrated effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
    • Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to improve the quality of service as well as a commitment to ongoing professional development.
    • Ability to work in and contribute positively to a team.

    FYG Clinical Rotations

    Stream 1 Acute - All FYGs will complete five rotations of approximately 10 week's duration. All FYGs complete a nights rotation and a secondment to Goulburn Hospital. FYGs rotate to Goulburn in pairs. Experience provided during the Westmead Allocation year includes Musculoskeletal Outpatients (which may be undertaken at either Westmead or Goulburn), Acute, Acute Rehabilitation and Aged Care

    Stream 2 Rehabilitation - Each FYG will spend 13 weeks in Orthopaedics, Musculoskeletal Outpatients and two Geriatrics rotations

    Working Hours

    Physiotherapy Department working hours during the week are 0800 hours to 1630 hours.  Weekend and public holiday day time working hours are also 0800 hours to 1630 hours.  

    Weekend Shifts

    Westmead Hospital - Acute: Weekend shifts are linked to your acute rotation in which you will need to complete 5-6 consective weekend days either working a Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday roster. All new graduates are included in the public holiday roster. Additional weekends may be required if staffing is needed.

    Westmead Hospital - Rehabilitation - During your Orthopaedics rotation you will be working one day each weekend and 4 days during the week.

    Evening shifts

    Westmead Hospital Acute - The evening roster is 1300 to 2130 hrs, followed by "On Call"  from 2130to 0800.  However, start time may vary between 1300 and 1600 dependent upon clinical need.

    Westmead Hospital - Rehabilitation - There are no evening shifts as part of this service

    Accommodation

    Staff accomodation may be available at Westmead. Please refer to the Goulburn information page regarding Goulburn secondment accomodation. 

    Travel

    The hospital is easy walking distance from Westmead Station. There are also a number of bus routes which stop at the Hospital.

    Orientation Process

    New Graduate staff will be involved in extensive onboarding during their first two weeks. This will include lectures, case studies, practical activities as well as shadowing of clinical staff. New graduate staff will be integrated into their clinical role during the onboarding period.

    Education Programs

    The department has a strong focus on quality improvement and research. Educational programs are provided to support these intiatives.

    There is a general departmental inservice held on a monthly basis. There is also a weekly inservice or case presentation held in each clinical area.

    The opportunity exists for FYGs to attend other relevant hospital clinical training lectures and programmes.

    Pre-Requisites e.g. D/L; Interest in clinical areas relevant to facility

    Onboarding at Westmead commences on day 1 of your new graduate program. The Physiotherapy department does not expect any specific pre-work to be completed. We welcome our new graduates to come onsite ready to listen, learn, grow and develop their skills.

    Social Activities

    Department Social Club organises regular social activities. These include celebrations for events such as RUOK day, World Physiotherapy Day, Christmas Breakfast and an Easter egg hunt just to name a few. 

    Support Mechanisms

    There is a professional support / mentoring program provided to FYGs. Each FYG will also have a designated clinical senior for each rotation. There is also an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all staff. 

    Annual Leave Policy

    Annual leave is considered in consultation with both clinical seniors and departmental heads.