Palliative Care Sessional Specialist
Location: Sunshine Hospital, Footscray Hospital
Employment Type: Part-time (0.35 FTE clinical)
Salary: HN16 - HN59
About the role
An opportunity exists for a qualified Palliative Medicine Specialists (0.35 FTE clinical) to join a well established service providing palliative care in the western suburbs of Melbourne. In addition to skills and experience in Palliative Care, an ability to work collaboratively is essential, whilst an interest in teaching and research is desirable.
Clinical duties include outpatient clinics, inpatient consultations and a period of ward service. On call commitments support both the general wards and the 20 bed specialist inpatient Palliative Care Unit at Sunshine Hospital.
Key responsibilities:
The Palliative Care Service at Western Health provides a comprehensive range of services to patients living with a life-threatening illness, including a designated inpatient palliative care unit, a hospital based cross campus consultancy service and outpatient clinics. There are 20 inpatient beds located at Sunshine Hospital, where the focus of care is on symptom management and support to patients and their families. The Consultancy Service provides palliative care expertise to patients, carers and health professionals across all campuses and also liaises closely with community agencies. The outpatient SMART (Symptom Management and Referral Team) clinics are held at Footscray Hospital, in tandem with the general oncology and lung oncology clinics, and at the Sunshine Radiation Therapy Centre at Sunshine Hospital. Although a generic service, the Palliative Care Service has a close working relationship with Cancer Services, attending common meetings and providing care and support to patients throughout their cancer journey. Western Health is accredited for advanced training in Palliative Medicine and currently supports two advanced trainees.
About you:
- Medical qualification in Palliative Medicine (FRACP and /or FAChPM)
- Current Australian medical registration
- Credentials for the position
- Relevant clinical experience and clinical competence required for level of position
- Experience in the support and supervision of Junior Medical Staff
- Demonstrated ability to practice collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary health care team
- Effective organisational skills, with respect to time management and delegation
Closing date: 10 June 2025
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Maria Coperchini on 0413 836 453.
About Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.
We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.
We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.
Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.
Why join us?
Compensation and benefits
- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
- Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
- Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.
Learning and development opportunities
- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
- Mentorship and career support.
Community impact and inclusion
- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.
Organisational culture and environment
- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re passionate about Palliative Care, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.
If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.
Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep
children and young people safe.
All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.