April 18, 2022
LOCUM DOCTOR IN COFFS HARBOUR
WHAT IS THE TEAM LIKE?
The whole ED team at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital was super friendly and welcoming and they arrange to do brunches/dinner every week. The consultants are very approachable and helpful with patient care.
TELL US ABOUT THE SETUP OF THE HOSPITAL AND SUPPORT FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN COFFS HARBOUR?
The hospital is currently undergoing a redevelopment and will be moving to a bigger ED later this year. Specialities at the Base Hospital are general medical, general surgical, orthopaedic and ICU. During working hours there is also a cardiology, vascular and urology registrar on-call. Otherwise the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle offers advice and takes referrals.
WHAT DOES THE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION LOOK LIKE FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN COFFS HARBOUR?
Luckily a direct flight from Melbourne to Coffs Harbour had started a few weeks before we arrived taking around 2 hours. It was a 5 minute journey from the airport to the hospital to pick up our welcome pack with the keys to our accommodation.The hospital accommodation is a 30 second walk to the beach. It was a light, bright, modern apartment opposite the local bowls club with a few restaurants, cafes and pubs nearby. The local shopping centre and supermarket is a 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk.
ANY LOCAL’S INSIDE INFORMATION TO SHARE? BEST SWIMMING SPOTS? LOOKOUTS? BIKE OR WALK TRAILS?
Muttonbird Island is a great short walk from the jetty and gives a great viewing point to watch the whales. The headland at Emerald Beach is also home to a mob of roos.There are plenty of surf spots in and around Coffs Harbour and if you’re lucky a pod of dolphins might join you. Park Beach is 30 seconds from our front door and there is a point break a 2 minute drive at McCauleys. Diggers Beach offers more beginner friendly surf.
Waterfall Way is a great weekend road trip. Start at Bellingen (give the brewery a visit!) and work your way to Armidale. We had dinner there at Signor Vertelli, one of the best woodfire pizzas we’ve had in a while. Trial Bay Goal campground at South West Rocks is one of the best campsites around. Try to get a spot on west side for a great view of the sunset.
TOWN AMENITIES? SHOPS, COFFEE TIPS FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN COFFS HARBOUR?
A short walk from the hospital accommodation in Park Beach is the The Mermaid Beach House restaurant. The “feed me” menu was delicious, with the owner explaining the background of each dish he was serving. The infamous Hoey Moey pub is also a short walk away for something a bit more relaxed.We loved going to the Fisherman’s Coop at the jetty for freshly caught fish too. If you’re lucky you can also spot turtles, stingrays, wobbegongs and countless other fish in the marina whilst you wait. And, of course, the Big Banana for a great banana smoothie! The Kiosk at Sawtell does great food and gives a great view of the surf. It’s just down the road from Sawtell Rockpool which is a beautiful beach spot.
WOULD YOU GO BACK TO COFFS HARBOUR AS A LOCUM DOCTOR?
I would definitely recommend Coffs Harbour! It’s a really friendly hospital in a great location, with lots of day trips to do around. Read other locum locations on our blog
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