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The advantages of locum doctors

Monday 22nd December 2014
Locum doctors can be an ideal solution in many situations, bringing with them expertise and flexibility. Image Credit: Thinkstock/iStock
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    Locum doctors are a vital resource for both the NHS and private companies, especially at this time of year. They deliver a high level of expertise and can be the ideal solution for many practices, ensuring that patient care does not suffer or fall short of the required standard.

    Long-term doctors, like many other professionals, are obligated to take holiday and even embark on training as part of CPD training. This can cause massive disruption for patients who may find it difficult to secure an appointment or medical advice. Locum doctors can address this problem, as well as alleviating any periods of high demand.

    Address demand
    At this time of year, many areas of healthcare see an influx of patients wanting advice, support or medical attention for their long-term conditions, which have worsened during the colder weather. In addition to this, many doctors will also see a greater number of people coming to them after a fall or wanting advice on their mental health problem. On top of this, there are also seasonal viruses such as flu, which put a strain on medical resources both with vaccination programmes to safeguard vulnerable people and treating patients that have caught it.

    These seasonal conditions also mean that doctors themselves are more likely to have to take time off work, which isn't scheduled. Locum doctors are the ideal solution to address this sudden demand as they can be called upon and be there ready to treat patients in a very short period of time.

    Greater expertise
    Locum doctors have become incredibly important in the hospital setting, ensuring that care can be delivered to as many patients around the clock. These professionals are likely to have greater experience and expertise across a range of sectors, allowing them to better deal with situations and problems that may arise when there is no one else to call on, compared to their permanent peers.

    It is also likely that these short-term doctors will be more skilled in communication and ways of building trust with the patients they see in a very short space of time. As locum doctors do not have the same luxury as others to spend a period of time getting to know a patient, those who choose the career are likely to have incredibly good people skills and will put patients at ease.

    Temporary solution
    Probably one of the most advantageous elements of using locum doctors, whether in general practice or in a hospital setting, is that they can address a specific demand when needed but are not a permanent drain on resources. This means that at times where additional funds are allocated to the healthcare sector, such as now, locums can be used to cope with the high demand and help patients be seen promptly without sacrificing on the standard of care. In contrast, when budgets are tightened, trusts are not tied to locum doctors and vice versa.

    Written by James Puckle

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