Forensic Pathologist

Kiahiwa ra Kia hiwa

Mo matou About us Forensic Pathology South Island is part of Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, the organisation that leads the day-to-day running of our health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, district, regional, and national levels.

Te Whatu Ora employs the forensic pathologists based in Christchurch and autopsy services are contracted through the Ministry of Justice for the coronial system.

Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) is a Te Whatu Ora Pathology service provider in New Zealand. The mortuary at Canterbury Health Laboratories is the forensic centre for the South Island and is supported by a strong mortuary technical team as well as the expertise of other departments within CHL.

Here in beautiful Waitaha Canterbury, we deliver routine autopsy services to more than 600,000 people that live in the Canterbury region and the West Coast, as well as autopsies for homicides and suspicious deaths for the entire South Island.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles by ensuring our partnership with Maori are at the forefront of all our conversations.

Mo te tunga About the role If you're a Forensic Pathologist considering a move, this could be your best one yet. Here's your chance to join a health system that truly cares. In Christchurch, New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha is a world leader in the delivery of integrated healthcare, and right now, we have an opportunity within our Forensic Pathology South Island team at Christchurch Hospital Campus.

You'll play a key role in a unit that serves a population of about 1.2 million for suspicious deaths and homicides.

The Team In NZ, we have a coronial death investigation system with legally-trained coroners. Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in supporting the families of deceased through the expert service you'll provide to coroners, the Police, and courts.

You'll undertake and supervise autopsy examinations of sudden, unexplained, or unexpected deaths for coroners as part of our enthusiastic and skilled team operating out of well-equipped mortuary facilities here in Christchurch.

The forensic pathologists are supported by 7 autopsy technicians, an administrator, and a service manager.

Operating alongside our Anatomical Pathology Department, your team has constant access to a full range of diagnostics support services available in this large tertiary hospital campus including histopathology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, haematology laboratories, and radiology services.

We also have strong relationships with the perinatal pathologists based in Christchurch and a forensic anthropologist based out of the University of Otago.

The Role This role will see you provide expert advice to the coroners, police, families, courts, and other medical staff. At the direction of the coroner, you will undertake post-mortem examinations and provide detailed autopsy reports.

You will attend scenes at the request of the police (generally not more than about 10 per year divided among the forensic pathologists) and will provide expert testimony in court.

About 500 coronial post-mortem examinations are conducted in Christchurch each year including approximately 30 homicides or suspicious deaths.

Forensic Pathology South Island has a forensic pathology training program and part of your role will involve supervising and teaching the trainee.

Medical students and new police officers also rotate through the department on occasion. Through our close relationships with the University of Otago, including the Christchurch School of Medicine, you may wish to take up undergraduate/graduate teaching opportunities as you develop and progress in your own career.

The New Zealand coronial system is currently undergoing major changes and you would have the opportunity to help shape autopsy services for the country.

Required Qualifications You'll be FRCPA-qualified (or international equivalent), ideally with several years of post-qualification experience, but we also welcome applications from those just finishing their training.

We are looking for someone who is a good fit for our team, which means you are someone who collaborates well, takes pride in their work, and acts with integrity. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Remuneration & Benefits An internationally competitive salary is offered as well as assistance with professional registration and relocation to Christchurch. Six weeks of paid annual leave are provided, along with time off in lieu of any public holidays worked. Generous financial support is provided for continuing medical education along with two weeks of CME time to attend conferences and workshops.

Yearly professional registration and indemnity insurance fees are covered by the employer.

About Christchurch Living in Otautahi Otautahi Christchurch is a great place to be, live, and bring up your family. It is easy to get around with just a short commute from work to home, no matter where you live in the city.

We are surrounded by beautiful scenery with ample recreational pursuits on our doorstep. Christchurch Botanic Gardens is just on the edge of the hospital campus along with the lovely Avon River.

Several beautiful beaches are at your doorstep. If you are into skiing, surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or anything outdoors, Christchurch is the place to be.

But if a vibrant cultural scene is more your style, we have a wonderful rebuilt city with dining, theatre, art galleries, music, and a host of other entertainment on offer.

Your family will love it here too; schooling and university facilities are excellent.

Our Culture : What matters to us

Ko nga tangata, te matua mahi Putting people at the heart of all we do. Health is ultimately all about people. What's important around here is the way we care for and respect others, the responsibility taken for delivering outcomes, and going about our work with integrity.

Belonging Here Being part of Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, our people enjoy access to flexible working arrangements and a genuine and ongoing focus on career development.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand believes that diversity and inclusion is key to ensure we deliver the best care for our diverse population.

As an organisation, we are inclusive and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and respects everyone.

Tono inaianei Apply now Join us in our mission to provide exceptional patient care, advance medical knowledge, and improve healthcare outcomes.

Your application will be reviewed and progressed as soon as possible. Please note that applications made via an agency will not be considered.

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