For most Pharmacies the absence of a key member of staff has a disastrous effect on the business resulting in loss of service, revenue and inevitably unhappy patients.

Whilst it is impossible to support an extra permanent member of staff to cover illness, maternity leave, holidays or busier times, it makes good business sense to provide a strategy for a time when these situations arise. This is where using a good locum becomes invaluable as a temporary solution to a temporary problem, so in effect you can maintain optimum staffing and service levels in the most cost effective way.

Locums can be booked for a day, a week or a month, any period of time that meets your requirements. The earlier a possible staffing need for your business can be anticipated, the easier it will be to find a locum and solve a potential problem before it arises. It may also be possible to find someone for last minute emergency cover.

Using a specialist recruiter in the placement of pharmacy Locum staff makes the process easier and smoother as we understand the legal and ethical requirements that must be met. Upon registration with Open all locums are allocated an electronic diary on our system to monitor availability and bookings. All possible positions that match your available days in appropriate locations are then fully discussed with you.

As a locum it is important to understand what is expected of you on each assignment. Typically we would outline the volume and nature of the work, any additional services, the type of computer systems, the level of competency of your fellow workers, the location, working hours and payment for the locum placement. We will always gain your agreement before entering into a contract with the potential employer and will confirm arrangements in writing to you. We will even remind you to take and display your registration certificate!               

Locums need to conform to the same legal requirements and standards as those in permanent pharmacy roles and employers should check these upon booking. Often more experienced, locums gain a broad exposure and experience of working with a wide variety of clients in different locations.
Pharmacy professionals choose to locum for many different reasons. Without doubt, the flexibility of being able to work where and when you choose provides the chance of a great work and life balance. The earning potential is greater; there is a possibility to travel, and the experience and variety of working with different people in different environments. So, it can be a great choice for many people either for a short or long term career move!

To find out more about becoming a locum or finding and employing locum staff please contact our Locum Pharmacy team on: 0121 712 7822 or email us or request a call back here.

The RPSBG offers an excellent detailed fact sheet for any pharmacist considering working as a locum and also any locum employers. Please click here.