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Locum doctors are an invaluable resource for the NHS, filling gaps in rotas at short notice and covering planned absences such as maternity or study leave. Many doctors work as locums after completing their training while they wait for the right substantive post to come up.
For most, this is a temporary measure, providing income and short term flexibility as well as the added benefit of extra experience before they take up a permanent post. But some doctors find that having autonomy over where and when they work as a locum is a more attractive option than committing to a substantive post. A recent survey by the BMA found that the majority (72%) of locum general practitioners choose their job for its flexibility and work-life balance.1
Since completing his specialty training in 2014, Oliver Sykes, an anaesthetist in London, has worked as a locum consultant. He plans to do this as a long term career option; the main reason for his choice is the flexibility it gives him. “Primarily I do this because my wife is training in obstetrics and gynaecology, with inflexible long days, nights and weekends, and we have two small children to organise,” he says.
There are disadvantages to working as a locum, Sykes says, such as the safety implications of constantly working in new environments. Being able to cope with the uncertainty and risks of constantly moving hospital is part of the life of a locum, and sometimes he will not know where he will be working until the day before. “My skill is being able to turn up somewhere new and get the job done safely and competently,” he says.
Although all locum doctors should be provided with an induction which is appropriate to the post and the length of the appointment, in reality this may not happen or it may be variable in its quality.2 Sykes says that he has a strict process for ensuring that his practice is safe. “I think [locuming] can actually make you a very good doctor, with the emphasis on maintaining standards, checking and back up plans,” he says.
A lack of respect from colleagues is another disadvantage, but Sykes considers this to be a small price to pay in return...