Locum Location - Narrabri, NSW

A Locum Doctor’s Experience Working in Narrabri

Settling into Narrabri Hospital was straightforward from day one. The nursing team were incredibly welcoming and took the time to show me around, explain how things worked, and answer any questions I had. If you’re new to systems like CAP or MedChart, I’d strongly recommend completing the online modules beforehand – it makes a big difference once you’re on shift and helps you hit the ground running.

Getting there was easy. It’s a short flight, and picking up a hire car was completely hassle-free. Depending on flight availability, you can fly into Narrabri directly, or into Moree (about a 1 hour 10 minute drive) or Tamworth (around 2 hours away). Accommodation was provided on-site in staff housing at the hospital. It’s shared accommodation with a large communal kitchen and living area, plus an ensuite bathroom. Hospital linen is supplied, but if you’re there during winter, bringing your own doona is a good idea; most locums do.

The Emergency Department is a sole doctor setup, so you do need to be comfortable working independently. That said, the broader hospital support is solid. There are three GPs on site, including a GP anaesthetist, a GP gynaecologist and a GP surgeon. The GP anaesthetist works on a week-on, week-off roster, so theatre access and anaesthetic backup depend on timing. In major resuscitations, assistance is available, although the GPs often have their own clinical responsibilities. Three days a week, a nurse practitioner works in the ED from 10 am to 8 pm – she’s approachable and helpful, though still relatively junior.

After hours, one of the GPs is on call from 7 pm to 10:30 pm. Overnight, the nursing staff can access support via the “My Emergency Doctor” service, and a GP remains first on-call if someone is urgently needed onsite. Imaging access is better than you might expect for a regional hospital; there’s CT available, and ultrasound services run from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays. Most tertiary referrals go to Tamworth, with some cases transferred to John Hunter Hospital.

ED presentations were variable. On an average day shift, I saw around 10–15 patients. Narrabri has a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, which adds important context to the clinical work and patient interactions.

The hospital itself has more scope than many people expect. There’s a 24-hour maternity service and an operating theatre for minor surgical procedures, although ED doctors aren’t expected to assist in theatre. Some days, visiting specialists are also on site.

Outside of work, options are limited given the 7am–7pm shift pattern, but there are still a few local favourites worth knowing. The Tourist Hotel serves good pub meals, and both Yield Narrabri and 2 3 Café make consistently good coffee.

On one of my days off, I managed to get out to Mount Kaputar National Park, about a 30–45 minute drive from town. The hiking there is genuinely beautiful and well worth the trip if you have the energy.

I would absolutely go back to Narrabri. The nursing team are excellent, the patients are friendly and genuinely grateful, and the work is rewarding without being overwhelming. For locum doctors who are comfortable with autonomy and looking for a well-supported regional ED role, it’s a location I’d happily recommend.



Thinking About Your Own Narrabri Locum?

If you’re an ED registrar, CMO, or experienced emergency locum considering regional work in NSW, Narrabri offers a rewarding blend of clinical autonomy, strong nursing support, and genuine community connection. Doctors working here can expect:

• A well-run regional ED with manageable daily presentations

• Supportive and experienced nursing staff

• Access to CT, ultrasound and clear referral pathways

• Comfortable onsite accommodation within the hospital precinct

• The chance to explore Mount Kaputar National Park and enjoy a relaxed country lifestyle

📩 Interested in locum ED roles in Narrabri or across regional NSW?

Email hello@blugibbon.com.au

 And the Blugibbon team will help you plan your next locum, with the right balance of support, flexibility, and adventure.