LocumDeck, NASGP’s booking platform, has launched remote sessions available to Emis practices.
Practices don’t pay a booking fee when using LocumDeck, just the locum’s fee. NASGP pays for the software licence.
NASGP piloted remote work in 2021 and developed a robust remote GP system in 2022. Existing LocumDeck-registered practices were invited to use remote GP locums by email in February.
Practice managers’ news website Management in Practice picked up on the news on 5 April.
As they reported, remote sessions are also available to SystmOne practices, although this has to be done via their ICB so default settings on the system can be changed at a cost of £7,500 per ICB, which so far has been picked up by ICBs. NASGP is in discussion with the system developer to see if large practices, PCNs or partnerships could also purchase remote access in this way.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, chairman and founder of the NASGP, told MiP: “There are plenty of practices that really value being able to get that extra layer of support from a dedicated team of remote locums.
“Booking directly through LocumDeck is what we are now able to offer to any EMIS practice in England, and hopefully, SystmOne practices too, provided we can speak to the right person at the ICB.”