Job Description

About the role

The Project Lead - Patient Support Unit (PSU) Improvement will drive key initiatives to review South West Healthcare's (SWH) elective surgery preparation lists and ensure timely, equitable, and safe access to planned care in alignment with the PSU Program.

This role will have a significant opportunity to make a meaningful and immediate impact for patients waiting for surgery. The Project Lead will support SWH to streamline and optimise elective surgery preparation lists, improving timely and equitable access to planned care. Through enhanced patient engagement, optimisation pathways and timely reassessment, the role will drive meaningful improvements in a short timeframe.

The role will also enhance patient experience by formalising SWH's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway for Orthopaedic Surgery and exploring opportunities to expand ERAS models into General Surgery and Gynaecology.

Position overview

• Employment Type: Full-time (80 hours per fortnight with a monthly ADO),
• Fixed Term position ending in June 2026
• Location: Warrnambool Campus
• Classification: Nurse/Midwife Manager not elsewhere classified

 What you bring

• A Registered Nurse holding a current Registration Certificate as required by AHPRA.
• Strong analytical and data management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in quality improvement or service redesign.
• Excellent communication and patient and specialist engagement capability.
• Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills and initiative with proven ability to work autonomously and
• within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft 365
• Project management experience

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in management, leadership or perioperative specialty.
• Experience with ERAS implementation or perioperative care optimisation.
• Understanding of statewide elective surgery frameworks and ESIS requirements

 What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community. Learn more about SWH here.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the South West region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

Submit your application by selecting the Apply button below and include a cover letter and resume by Wednesday, 17 December 2025. Please ensure you address the selection criteria as outlined in the position description.

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028 with the classification Nurse/Midwife Manager not elsewhere classified

 The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check, where required
• Current Immunisation status

 Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au