Sessions booked through LocumDeck’s Instant Book feature are up 53% year on year, latest data show.
During the last available period (July to August), practices booked 53% more GP locum sessions instantly on LocumDeck compared to the same period in 2022.
At the time of writing, September is due to be up 20% year on year, and 13% month on month.
The data is published during a time of consternation amongst some GP locums that sessions are becoming less available.
At the same time, however, practices have told trade press that they are more reliant on GP locums than ever, with some struggling to find cover. NASGP notes that September is typically a quiet month for holiday cover as salaried and partner GPs return to work after the summer break, and before conference season starts.
LocumDeck’s Instant Book feature has seen double- or triple-figure growth year on year since February 2021, when NASGP began keeping record.
GPs can get booked instantly on LocumDeck after adding their own dates, rates and terms in advance.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “We’re acutely aware that many GP locums are concerned that autumn 2023 is looking a lot quieter than other years, with fingers being pointed at ARRS funding and non-GP clinical roles being rolled out by the NHS. And with ICBs all knee-deep in cost cutting exercises, schemes like Transition cover and transformation support don’t seem to have filtered down to practices yet.
“What we do know beyond doubt is that where local locums have worked with us to encourage their ICBs to fully fund LocumDeck’s use across its area, bookings are extremely healthy, and continue to rise month on month.
“We love to hear from any members who have a relationship with their local training hub or ICB workforce leads. If LocumDeck is something you think would be of benefit locally, please reach out to me via any channel and we’ll see what we can do.”
You can reach Dr Fieldhouse by email, on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn as well as by using our Contact form.