A locum doctor temporarily works as a substitute healthcare professional. Locum work can be within the NHS, private clinics, hospitals or other medical areas in situations where the permanent staff is on leave. Locum work has gained a lot of acceptance in today’s time. Doctors prefer working as a locum because of the flexibility, decent pay and more control over their working hours.
In this blog, we’ll take you through everything Locums must be aware of and valuable learnings from experienced locum doctors.
Benefits Of Being A Locum Doctor In The UK
1.Better control of working hours
One of the main benefits of working as a locum is its flexibility. The flexible work setting refers to the place you want to work and the amount of time you would like to spend there.
2. Increased pay
Compared to a permanent role, a locum often earns a substantially higher hourly wage, though this does depend on how many hours you work overall.
3. Demand
You’ll always have job prospects because of the constant need for locums to address staff shortages in hospitals, both in the NHS and private hospitals, along with other healthcare settings.
4. Varied work-life.
By switching roles frequently, you may give yourself a very flexible work-life that allows you to try out several careers or work settings to determine which is ideal for you.
5. More time for yourself.
With locum work, your life as a doctor can also offer opportunities to indulge in activities you wish to pursue apart from work.
How To Become A Locum Doctor In The UK?
The requirements of becoming a locum doctor are very similar to those of a permanent role.
1.Successful registrations are required with the General Medical Council (GMC) as a GP/practitione
2. Significant work experience and relevant credentials, some of which include, –
- A certified copy of your medical degree and certification of course completion as confirmation of your credentials.
- GMC registration number and certificate information with a copy of your medical indemnity certificate.
- Proof of identity, which must be a photograph, such as a driver’s licence or passport, and, if appropriate, your NHS Smartcard.
- Complete career history in the form of a medical CV, along with written justifications for any employment gaps lasting more than a month.
- A minimum of one current reference attesting to your behaviour and employment history from the preceding year.
- A copy of your certificate proving your listing on the Performers List, which, for doctors, attests to your licensure as a doctor and shows that your DBS check is still active
3. Doctors from overseas who wish to work in the UK require a minimum of 6 months of experience in the UK.
If you wish to know more about the prerequisites to be a doctor in the UK, visit our website.
Experiences As A Locum
The Healthcare industry has seen a significant amount of medical professionals moving to locum work because of the several perks locuming offers. Doctors, Nurses and individuals working in medicine have shared their personal experiences and guides through blogs to help others indulge in a successful locum experience.
Here are a few links that can help you kickstart locum work seamlessly.
1.How the popularity of life as a locum is changing the health service.
In this article, Kathy Oxtoby looks at how the increasing numbers of doctors choosing a career as a locum are changing the NHS.
2. A guide to working as a locum doctor
This guide explores some of the differences between traditional doctor employment and locum work, detailing what you can expect whilst working in a locum role. As well as, the benefits and challenges of these opportunities.
3. My locum life: 20 years trying to make myself obsolete
‘While I agree that there needs to be a balance between practice-based and locum GPs. Also, I welcome the recognition that conditions in general practice need to urgently improve to retain partners. I will continue to argue that, even in the most optimal conditions, properly engaged and flexible GPs will always be an asset.’ says Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP Chairman in this blog as he pens down his experience.
Vacancies For Locum Doctors
- Consultant – Acute Medicine
- SHO/SPR – A&E
- Consultant – ENT
- Consultant – Haematology
- Consultant – Oncology
- Consultant – GP
- Consultant – Care of the Elderly
You can view all the possible vacancies on our website.
Are you looking forward to being a locum doctor or working in the NHS in a permanent role? We can be your best bet to find locum work catering to your schedule and personal life. Make your life as a doctor seamless with us.
Register with Mylocum today!
You can go visit our website and you can go to the CV-Library to find more job opportunities for All Healthcare Workers.
