Patient Safety Advisor

Location: Wellington Regional Hospital, Kenepuru & Hutt Hospital

Contract: Permanent, Part Time (0.8fte / 32 hours per week)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we’re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. 

About the Role 

Salary: $100,000 to $115,000 (pro rata)

We are looking for a motivated person to join our Quality & Patient Safety Team as a Patient Safety Advisor within the Centre of Clinical Excellence.

This is a key role focused on improving patient safety, strengthening system resilience, and reducing harm across our district. You will provide expert advice, lead and support safety initiatives, and work closely with clinical and non-clinical teams to embed a strong culture of quality and safety. The role requires you to work on both long-term projects and reactive work of a time sensitive nature. 

This role is based in Wellington but requires you to work across multiple sites.

In this role, you will:

• Provide expert patient safety and quality advice to clinical teams and governance groups
• Analyse data and trends to inform decision-making and system improvements
• Develop or contribute to local and organisational policy
• Support audits, reporting, and compliance activities as needed
• Strengthen partnerships and promote equitable health outcomes, particularly for Māori, Pacific, and disabled communities
• Support serious adverse event processes and contribute to organisational learning

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute work that supports safer, higher-quality care across the district.

The Patient Safety Advisor reports to the Quality & Patient Safety Manager.

About you 

You are an experienced healthcare worker, able to work collaboratively to improve patient outcomes and reduce harm in health care.

You bring a relevant clinical background and experience in patient safety, quality improvement, or healthcare systems, along with the ability to engage with a diverse range of people.

You have initiative and are able to take the lead on projects and respond easily to evolving situations. 

You are resilient, adaptable, and motivated to make a meaningful difference.

You will also have:

• A relevant health qualification
• Knowledge of the NZ health sector, including quality improvement methodologies and patient safety practices
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and use data to drive improvement
• Proven ability to manage projects 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of audit processes, adverse event review, and feedback systems
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong critical thinking capability
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to achieving equitable outcomes

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. 

How to Apply 

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 5 July. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Philip.Adamson@tewhatuora.govt.nz 

Position description Apply now

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