teAMWorKinG
allocation of visits (we have position to lay down the law and slightly less formal sometimes be so much hassle
strict guidelines on this) or with a practice that feels it educational evenings, where that it’s simply not worth it. But
the way diabetic care is doesn’t have to treat locums all other local sessional we’re finding that practices
managed. equally, we like to with any seriousness. our gps are invited too. seem to be using us more
let excellent practices know managers can insist upon and more, and looking upon
what we think of them too. the minimum conditions as it raises standards using a locum as a positive
Working in so many different defined by our team. for our hard work to improve the experience rather than a
practices and being exposed example, a practice that working environment for our neutral, or even negative, one.
to many different systems did not have a confidential members has a knock-on
and processes, there are no username or password effect for local locums who are looking forward
professionals better placed would mean that locums who not members of one of our the ethos of the chambers
than a team of locums had previously worked there teams. as well as organising is to improve our working
to really point out exactly would not have been properly local educational events for lives; there’s no commercial
where a practice’s strengths protected. We would tackle other locums – this requires “tie-in” like a locum agency.
and weaknesses lie. this with a swift call from our taking on the role of “informal in fact, when new members
after collecting feedback managers, to make sure local gp tutor for sessional join, we gauge their career
from members of our team, that it didn’t happen again. gps” – practices are effectively aspirations and endeavour
one of our clinical directors trained to take better care of to place them in practices
then collates the feedback into it is more fun other independent locums. that are looking to recruit a
a useful format and presents although it can be lonely new partner or salaried gp.
this, with considered advice, working as a partner, it improves Working as a gp can be a
to the practice manager. independent locuming can workforce planning risky business and we need
be extremely isolating. But and recruitment to be extremely aware of how
We have more control as a team, with its collective geographical areas with important it is to practise in
over our working financial and organisational groups of locums who work in a safe environment. a safe
environment resources, and the necessity similar managed teams tend environment is one that we
our enhanced reputation for obligatory attendance to be more “chaotic”, in terms have control over. Working as
as a highly-organised group at meetings, isolation is not of how locums are assigned a team creates the domain
of professional locums an option. Members get to and managed to different of possibility for locums to
means that many practices know each other well, both practices. in these areas, as it thrive as professional gps in
prefer to work with our socially and professionally, is left much more to chance, their own right, which is not
members. they prefer not and our team has spawned practices use alternative only good for us, but for our
to risk using a gp they many firm friendships. methods to cope with a practices and our patients.
don’t know as well, and lavish summer parties, shortfall in gp manpower, Dr Fieldhouse is also
our chamber managers and team-building skittles using internal cover, a nurse, clinical director of Pallant
make the booking process evenings and quiz nights, are cancelling appointments Medical Chambers; he
much simpler and safer. blended in with our formal or just making do without. regularly appears in
this also puts us in a good internal chambers meetings Booking a locum can the medical press.
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