Is the end of locuming approaching?

[Vesi]

What are your views? Is the end of locuming approaching?

[johnep]

Never. Always need for locums. However, in old days locums only needed to cover holidays and sickness. If every pharmacy has a regular pharmacist, then will return to this.

Very difficult to make a full time living as a locum under these circumstances.
johnep

[The Druid]

I don't think so. Although the checking technician era is beginning, Pharmacists will still be in demand for their pharmaceutical and clinical services (providing they're up to date of course!). However merely working behind a dispensing bench may be doomed within the next decade, maybe sooner.
I think that until pharmacy companies begin paying manager pharmacists at least the same hourly rates as locums, plus the benefits on top, there will remain a vast number of pharmacies without managers. I still think back to when I was managing a shop, all that paperwork, pressures and targets, staff issues to deal with. Aaaarggh. Reminds me why I locum. Pharmaceutical focus and service remain my primary concern.

[jaymags]

I hope not we love having locums., though the holidays would be great if there weren't any at all. I haven't had a days holiday since September last year, then it was only a long wekend, Christmas and New Year bank holidays don't count.

[Vesi]

OK. thanx for the info What about loans. Can locums take loans ( mortages for example) as their income is not guaranteed?

[The Druid]

Loans- it very much depends on who the lender is. Some will require a year or more of accounts to demonstrate income. However you shouldn't have too many problems, as most lenders worth their salt will have an idea about the "reliable and unreliable" sorts of work people do.
Saying that, in the current financial climate they may be a bit more awkward... Good luck

[johnep]

Pharmacists always have been a good risk, banks used to advertise in the c&d offering loans.
johnep

[Web Ferret]

Pharmacists always have been a good risk, banks used to advertise in the c&d offering loans.
johnep

Yes, I've not seen the Scottish Widows 125% mortgage ad for pharmacists for a while though...

[lrpolo]

I think the day these community multiples/ NHS hospitals can get their act together may be the day there are no more need for locums, but that's not likely to happen any time soon.