The practice is seeking a long-term or permanent GP to work 32 hours per week with on call Saturday morning from 9am – 12pm (approx 1:8)

The role would suit a GP who has great communication skills, sound clinical and service skills combined with the ability to provide healthcare to a full range of people in the community.

The practice is an exciting health service provider based in Taihape. It is within the region of Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) and is a member of the Whanganui Regional Primary Health Organisation (WRPHO). The Practice is owned by the WRPHO and is situated in purpose built facilities.

The ‘purpose built’ facility is now completed and houses the practice, x-ray, multidisciplinary community services and visiting specialist clinics. The three General Practitioners (GP’s) provide services to approximately 3,800 enrolled patients, and also attend to approximately 3,000 casuals and visitors annually. Practice nurses support the GP’s as well as managing their own nurse led clinics. The surgery hours are 8.30am – 5.30pm with appointments being 15 minutes long.

The team of GPs. are supported by a General Manager, Registered Nurses, Health Care Workers, Allied services, and administrative staff. The closest major Hospitals are Whanganui and Palmerston North hospitals, which are 75 minutes drive south over state highway roads. Whanganui is the base hospital for Taihape. The Practice has great services from Health Providers some of them being a Community Mental Health Team, Mobile Surgical Services, Laboratory services, Iwi Health Services, voluntary ambulance service and varied visiting specialists.

Taihape district is home to friendly and hospitable people who are eager to share the delights of their region with a newcomer. Taihape is predominately a farming community situated on the main highway between Wellington and Auckland in the Northern Rangitikei, a highcountry region in the central North Island.

Being centrally located, Taihape offers relatively easy access to many other regions and the main cities of the North Island. It is one-hour drive from skiing on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, tramping in the Tongariro National Park, boating on Lake Taupo, as well as tramping or hunting in the local Ruahine mountain ranges. Both coasts are readily accessible within 1 ½ to 3 hours drive, as are the picturesque wine growing regions of the Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa. The nearest main cities are Palmerston North and Wanganui, both within 75 minutes drive.

Nothing influences the region more than its namesake, the Rangitikei River, and its deep river gorges. Beautiful, remote and yet accessible, it provides the backdrop for many outdoor activities and tourist attractions, including white water rafting, trout fishing, kayaking, camping, bungy jumping and the highest flying fox in NZ. The hill country terrain not only supports the local farming community, but also has many spectacular gardens that are open to visitors. The location on State Highway One, adds to the flow of visitors through
the district, as a result the people have developed a cosmopolitan outlook, with a growing craft and café culture.

The district and town population is approximately 5,500 with a third living in the Taihape Township and the rest either in rural communities or on remote farms. About 1/3 of the population identify as Māori, 20% are under the age of 15 years and 14% are aged over 65 years. Taihape has a number of sports clubs, including five golf courses within 40 minutes drive, a gym and swimming pool, several active arts and culture groups, a public library, museum and a range of shopping facilities, including supermarkets, banks, petrol stations, clothing, gift stores and cafes. Most of the main religious denominations have churches and active parishes; there is a great deal of social cohesion within the community.

Educational facilities include local preschools one area school (primary and secondary), Catholic primary school and several country primary schools. There are several excellent boarding secondary schools and tertiary institutions (including Massey University, Palmerston North) within 75 minutes drive.

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