Locums are a ‘key component’ the NHS ‘needs’, and should be supported effectively, a new report has found.
Researchers at the University of Manchester published their findings in ‘Locum doctors in the NHS: Understanding and improving the quality and safety of healthcare’. NASGP’s work was picked out for praise in the recommendations.
“In some places, particularly in primary care, self-organised groupings of locum doctors into ‘locum chambers’ have emerged, and this has been supported by the National Association of Sessional GPs. Locum chambers are an interesting and potentially helpful innovation which could provide another way to deal with the governance issues raised above in relation to locum doctors,” authors wrote.
The report also warned of prejudice against locums, including ‘an undertone of racism’, evidenced by qualitative data given by some of the locums interviewed.
They have separately published findings from a survey of GP partners, salaried GPs, other clinical roles (e.g. advanced nurse practitioner), practice managers, non-clinical managers and administrators at GP practices.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “We are delighted to see the NASGP Locum Chambers model highlighted in this significant piece of research from Manchester University. Whilst chambers are mentioned specifically in terms of a way to deal with clinical governance concerns, they are also ideally placed to help resolve other issues raised, such as the need for peer support and helping in the exchange of information.
“That said, it’s extremely upsetting to see evidence relating to racism in our profession. This is completely unacceptable, and every one of us needs to keep all our senses on alert to ensure this is stamped out at every level.
“Working as a GP locum across multiple settings, with many struggling and others highly challenging, peer support groups like NASGP Locum Chambers are not so much a luxury as an absolute necessity.”
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