Loading…

GP Locum Network

We are starting to develop a local GP Locum Network, specifically for those who are already working, or whom are thinking about working in the Coventry and Warwickshire areas. Irrespective of whether you are a regular or occasional locum you are welcome to become part of our network.

Welcome from Dr. Chris Boyson – Locum Champion, (C&W)

I am Dr Chris Boyson and am here in my role as Locum Champion of Coventry and Warwickshire Training Hub. I have only ever worked as a doctor in the Midlands, from day 1 as an FY1, (excluding 6 months in Australia!) through to my current portfolio career, based in Warwick. I am here as an advocate for sessional GPs and work with the Training Hub to help support and integrate our locums. Please do contact me if you have any suggestions, or would simply like a chat: c.boyson@nhs.net

We understand that, as a locum, it can sometimes feel quite isolating. Hopefully, by joining our GP Locum Network, you will feel more supported.

Here are some ideas of what you can expect from our Locum network, and the wider Training Hub.

Job and career opportunities
Access to our workforce solution through Lantum:
- Ability to book work instantly, with job search filters giving you the power to see sessions that suit your location and availability.
- Save time on admin, with auto-generated invoices and pension forms that are consolidated into form A & B packs on your behalf
- https://info.lantum.com/coventry-and-warwickshire-staff
Educational events
Networking and social events
Buddy scheme
Mentoring
Access to other networks e.g. First 5 (C&W), Middle (Twenty)5, Wise 5

To subscribe to future updates from the Locum network, please click here and receive details of how to join the GP Locum WhatsApp group to take part in discussions with other Locum in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Opportunities for Locum GPs

Mary Seacole and other leadership programmes

The Mary Seacole programme is a six month long programme with a 100 hours of online study, plus three full-day behavioural workshops. Learning is accessed through:

The NHS Leadership Academy’s virtual campus, which includes programme films, interactive content, discussion forums and online resources
Three one-day skills workshops working with expert facilitators

The programme is suited to those in a ‘formal’ position of leadership with responsibilities for people and services. The usual cost is £995 which can be self-funded.

GP members of the C+W Locum Network can apply for funding from the CWTH via this webpage.

An alternative to the Mary Seacole programme for those who would like a less intensive and introductory course to leadership skills would be the Edward Jenner programme.

Additional Skills Directory

The Training Hub have been looking to see how we can better utilise the skillsets of our primary care practitioners.

We are aware that much of our workforce possess additional skills and experience that go beyond their usual professions’ core competencies, which are not currently being utilised.

As such, we have created an Additional Skills Directory for GPs and Pharmacists (other professions to follow) which commissioners and employers can refer to when planning for community services.

Any additional skillsets you are able to offer will be easily identifiable and you will be contacted with any relevant new opportunities.

Please do consider filling out this form.

The Vital Role of Locum GPs in Primary Care Healthcare Delivery

Not “just” a Locum

Colleague: Are you a partner, salaried or just a locum?

Patient: Are you my GP or just a locum?

~30% of all GPs in the UK are locums, the vast majority of whom, choose this career path

In Coventry and Warwickshire:

Half of locum GPs are also salaried GPs
Compared with other ICBs, the majority of our GPs spend less time (average 2 days/week) working as a locum
Compared with other ICBs, C+W locums tend to be older (45-54) and more experienced (21-25 years as a GP)

In the evolving landscape of primary care, locum GPs have become an indispensable asset to healthcare delivery. Their flexibility, expertise, and dedication significantly enhance the quality of care provided to patients across various communities. Here, we explore the some of the ways in which Locum GPs play an integral role in primary care and are more than just locums.

Flexibility and Continuity of Care

Locum GPs bring an unparalleled level of flexibility to primary care. They step in to cover for permanent doctors during periods of leave, illness, or unexpected absences, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted. Locum GPs enable clinics to remain fully operational, providing consistent and reliable healthcare services.

Expertise and Fresh Perspectives

Locum GPs often bring a wealth of experience from diverse medical environments. Their exposure to various healthcare settings allows them to adopt best practices and innovative approaches to patient care. This breadth of knowledge and fresh perspective can be invaluable to practices, and patients.

Addressing Workforce Shortages

The primary care sector faces significant challenges in recruiting and retaining full-time GPs. Locum GPs fill this critical gap, ensuring that clinics can meet patient demand even during workforce shortages. By stepping in where needed, Locum GPs alleviate the pressure on permanent staff, helping to prevent burnout and maintain a high standard of care.

Adding Resilience

During peak times, such as flu season or when a local health crisis arises, the demand for primary care services can exceed the capacity of existing staff. Locum GPs offer critical support during these periods, allowing clinics to manage increased patient loads effectively. Their contribution during such times ensures that all patients receive timely and appropriate care, preventing delays.

Locum Buddy Scheme

In recognition of the challenges faced by GP locums in Coventry and Warwickshire, we are excited to introduce the GP Locum Buddy Scheme, an initiative designed to combat feelings of isolation and foster a sense of community among locum doctors.

For those whom are interested, we will pair locums together and encourage them to establish connections, providing each other with mutual support and camaraderie.

Once matched, the pairs are free to determine the nature of their interaction, whether it be through occasional meet-ups in person or virtual conversations.

To promote face-to-face meetings and encourage networking opportunities, the Coventry and Warwickshire training hub will reimburse the cost of one tea/coffee (<£4.00), (up to once a quarter), for each participant if they meet in person.

By facilitating these connections, we aim to create a supportive network where locums can share experiences, exchange insights, and alleviate the sense of isolation that can sometimes accompany the locum lifestyle.

The GP Locum Buddy Scheme is not only about professional development but also about fostering friendships, creating a sense of belonging, and hopefully go a small way in improving our own wellbeing.

Freedom to Speak Up – For Locums

It can often be challenging to raise a concern at work, and for our locum GPs, who can often feel isolated and powerless, it can be an even greater challenge. Our locum members asked for more of a collective voice so that we can help identify any recurring themes, whether this be at the individual, practice, or system level.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board has a Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Policy for General Practice and a Freedom to Speak Up service, which can be contacted via cwicb.pcftsu@nhs.net

There are several ways in which you can raise a concern as a locum.

Complete this Freedom to Speak Up form specifically for GP Locums below. Preferably, use this form so we can identify any trends that are affecting locums.
You can utilise the ICB’s generic form here
Contact the Freedom to Speak Up service directly at cwicb.pcftsu@nhs.net

Completing the Freedom to Speak Up form for GP locums may help you in a number of ways:

Provide you with further assistance, if you require it, when raising a concern
Enabling you to report a concern anonymously
Help alert the Training Hub and Locum Network to any recurring locum-related issues

You may wish to remain anonymous, however if you are happy to include your name and email then it is often more beneficial for you to do so. It will allow the Freedom to Speak Up service to contact you to discuss how they can support you, and you can be assured that your details will remain confidential.