If you are a GP locum searching online for resources can be difficult, as it is often hard to find a tool that fit your needs best. If you are working or considering working as a GP Locum this blog will save you time sorting the signals from the noise.
1. Finding work
BeeFound
BeeFound matches the availability of Locums with the needs of Practices. BeeFound is unique. It is an availability search engine helping GP locums to get practice work and practices to arrange GP locum cover. BeeFound makes the whole process quick and simple. Find out more and register for free. – https://www.beefound.co.uk/
Social media has become an influencer in job selection procedures and is used to vet people before they are selected for a role. To take control, GP locums can use LinkedIn to maximise their chance to get work. LinkedIn is a social network for professional people and businesses to connect and engage with each other. It is also used by recruiters/agencies.
LinkedIn can be used as an online CV. You should include work experience, education and courses you have taken. For job roles you can ask for recommendations from co-workers and when they recommend you it will be added to your profile. Read our blog on how to make LinkedIn work for you. – https://blog.beefound.co.uk/gp-locums-can-maximise-linkedin-get-work/
2. Financial matters
We advise that you speak with an independent financial adviser and accountant before starting out as a GP locum, there are pension considerations as well as tax planning to be done. For example, do you work as a sole trader and have NHS pension contributions? Or work as a ltd company with the tax advantages that may give you?
Income and Expenditure spreadsheet
We advise that you keep a log of your income and expenditure for book keeping and tax purposes. You can download a spreadsheet here.
Find an accountant
As a GP locum you are self-employed so will have to handle all your financial matters and tax returns yourself. We recommend that you get yourself and accountant if you don’t already have one. Here is a good website to find an accountant – http://www.choose-your-accountant.co.uk/
NHS Pensions
If you are looking to set up your pension then you can enter an NHS scheme. Find out more – http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Pensions/2665.aspx. However, we recommend you speak with a financial adviser to work out what your best options are.
3. Networking
There are number of support groups for GP locums to help with networking, mutual support and organising activities. Some groups have costs involved in being a part of but other support groups don’t and are aimed at mutual support and providing educational meetings which can help with Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
NASGP website http://www.nasgp.org.uk
This group was set up for supporting locum and salaried GPs to improve patient care.
Other useful organisations:
- British Medical Association – http://bma.org.uk/
- Doctors.net – http://www.doctors.net.uk/
4. Education and Day to Day role
As well as CPD, GP locums need to keep up to date with the latest clinical practices and medicines to help patients best.
GP Notebook – http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/homepage.cfm
GPnotebook is an online encyclopaedia of medicine that provides a trusted immediate reference resource for clinicians in the UK and internationally. Fast and reliable, many doctors use GPnotebook during the consultation.
SIGN – http://www.sign.ac.uk/
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) develops evidence based clinical practice guidelines for management and treatment of common conditions for the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland.
NHS organisations for prescribing advice
- All organisations – http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/organisations/index.aspx
- Lothian NHS Board – http://www.ljf.scot.nhs.uk/
- NHS Grampian – http://www.nhsgrampian.co.uk/
- NHS Greater Glasgow – http://www.ggcprescribing.org.uk
If you are looking for GP locum work or currently have a GP locum role then we hope these resources help you. Please let us know in the COMMENT box below if you have any additional resources/tools?
