There are many benefits of becoming a locum and registering with a locum agency, and it�s not just the rate of pay you can earn that makes this position highly rewarding.
Hospitals and medical surgeries are regularly understaffed due to employee illness, annual leave, maternity leave, sabbatical or personal reasons. Therefore locums are a vital aspect of the continuation of a hospital as they can fill in for employees who are away for a short period. A short-handed hospital or medical practice can ultimately lead to crammed hospitals with some patients who may need urgent medical treatment, a locum can therefore ensure the wellbeing of patients and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
If a doctor has a permanent contract in a hospital or medical facility then they will be required to work a certain amount of days and a number of hours, and have a restricted annual salary. However, if a practitioner decides to become a locum they can choose their working hours, how many days they wish to work in a location that best suits their needs. Therefore they have flexible hours which will allow them to fit their job around their personal lives, instead of the other way round. They can also inform the agency of their specialism and they will provide them with a temporary job position in their preferred field.
A reputable locum agency will strive to tailor a temporary practitioner’s needs when placing them in a medical facility. There are many private locum agencies that a qualified medical practitioner can register with; however it is important they research the best agencies available, as many agencies will offer different rates of pay and may not be as flexible as other locum agencies. Also, check that the locum agency is PASA approved, as this proves they adhere to the standards of the Department of Health.