HASTINGS HEALTH CENTRE
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
General Practitioner
PURPOSE
To provide competent patient-centred care that addresses health needs and promotes wellness. Such
care is based on latest evidence and guidelines, and meets legislative requirements.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide good clinical care
This will be achieved by:
Providing skilled health assessment, diagnosis and treatment services (including contraception) to
patients
Patient throughput to be a minimum of 11 patients per 4 hours (to maintaining good clinical practice,
effective workflow and adequate medical note recording)
Ordering diagnostic tests as needed, checking and informing patients of results in a timely manner
Referring patients appropriately to other providers if their needs exceed the range of care you are
able to provide
Consulting and collaborating with colleagues to provide optimal care
Documenting all care provided and education/information given to patients within their health record,
as per professional and company standards
Providing care off site (house calls) when this is in a patient’s best interest or when this improves
access for a group of patients.
To maintain good medical practice
This will be achieved by:
Participating in an annual performance appraisal is mandatory and includes setting work and personal
goals for the coming year
Maintaining professional knowledge and standards through continuing medical education, and more
formal academic education and personal professional development
Involvement in peer review activities, Trainee Intern and Registrar teaching
Having a working knowledge of legislation that affects medical practice
Maintaining a current resuscitation certification to at least Level 5 (Level 7 for accident and medical
work).
Maintaining trust (professional relationships with patients)
This will be achieved by:
Understanding and implementing the Health and Disability Consumers Code of Rights, the Health
Information Privacy Code, and the NZMA Code of Ethics
Providing services courteously and respectfully, with regard to the cultural beliefs and needs of
patients
Responding openly to complaints or feedback.
Your duty to protect all patients
This will be achieved by:
Recognising when you are unwell or overburdened and taking action
Reporting as required by legislation when you believe patients or their families/whanau or the public
are at significant risk
Consulting, supporting and if needed reporting, colleagues who you feel are not competent to
practice.
Participating fully and constructively in inquiries resulting from patient feedback or adverse events.
Working collaboratively with colleagues
This will be achieved by:
Working constructively and harmoniously with other members of the centre’s team to ensure patients
receive optimal care
Leading or delegating appropriately within the team
Collaborating in regard to rosters development and leave planning.
Maintaining integrity in professional practice
This will be achieved by:
Making accurate claims for services provided
Charging for consultations in line with company and centre policy by annotating correctly on
consultation slips
Completing time sheets accurately
Providing certificates and other documents
This will be achieved by:
Completing ACC, insurance, and other reports within a week of receipt
Sending referral letters within one week
Completing event/incident forms as per company policy
Clearing in-boxes and tasks daily and delegating this task if absent.
Undertaking research and quality improvement activities
This will be achieved by:
Undertaking personal practice review activities or audits to enhance practice
Participating in centre-based audits
Involvement in practice accreditation activities.
Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
This will be achieved by:
Practicing in a manner that upholds the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring equitable health
outcomes for Māori patients.
Actively engaging in partnership with Māori patients and their whānau to understand and address
their health needs and aspirations.
Ensuring Māori cultural values and perspectives are integrated into patient care and clinical decisionmaking.
Advocating for and supporting policies and practices that promote Māori participation in healthcare
services.
Continuously developing knowledge of Māori health issues and working toward eliminating disparities
in health outcomes.
Using Hastings Health Centre systems
This will be achieved by:
Using the patient management system (MedTech Evolution) effectively
Issuing medical practitioner supply orders for pharmaceuticals used within the practice
Demonstrating a working knowledge of company policy with regard to clinical practice as described in
company manuals
Using the company email facilities, desktop and shared folders
Reporting incidents as per professional standards and company policy
Practising medicine in a way that reflects the company’s values and mission.
Any other duties the Employer may reasonably require the Employee to perform.
GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Be punctual and work the hours and times specified.
Prioritise workload to ensure work of the greatest importance to the business is undertaken with
urgency and to a high standard.
Support and help develop a positive workplace culture.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Responsibly manage all business resources within accountability levels.
Undertake all duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description and all other duties as required
by the business.
Comply with all employment obligations.
Promptly undertake to complete all reasonable and lawful instructions and directions given.
Serve the business in good faith, promoting and protecting the business's best interests.
During work time, and such other times as may be reasonably required, dedicate all effort to the
execution and fulfillment of the duties, responsibilities, obligations, and instructions related to
employment.
Demonstrate through own actions a commitment to Health and Safety at work when undertaking work
or observing others in the workplace.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
Registration as a medical practitioner in New Zealand with a current, valid practising certificate, to be
maintained at all times.
Vocational registration or at least 18 months of practical experience as a General Practitioner.
Strong interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage and communicate effectively with
patients, families, and colleagues.
Cultural competency and a sound understanding of the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in
promoting equitable health outcomes for Māori.
Clinical competence and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Proficiency in using patient management systems (e.g., MedTech Evolution) and basic software
applications (Microsoft 365).
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads, manage time effectively, and meet
deadlines.
A current, valid driver’s licence.
A genuine interest in primary health care and a passion for improving and maintaining the health of
diverse patient populations.
A commitment to working in a team environment, collaborating effectively with colleagues from a
range of healthcare professions.
The ability to empathise with patients and build therapeutic, trusting relationships that support positive
health outcomes.
Leadership abilities and experience in managing or mentoring junior staff (if applicable).
A sound understanding of the New Zealand healthcare system, including primary care funding models
(e.g., capitation) and national health policies.
Ability to manage high-pressure situations and provide high-quality care in a fast-paced environment.
Experience working with diverse patient populations, including different ethnic groups, socioeconomic
backgrounds, and vulnerable communities.
Commitment to quality improvement initiatives and patient safety, adhering to evidence-based
practices and clinical guidelines.
Strong understanding of confidentiality and ethical issues in healthcare, ensuring patient information
is handled with the utmost care and respect.
For more information about the Hastings Health Centre please visit www.hastingshealth.co.nz