L IFE AS A LOCUM Dr Ajay Sharma Holmfirth

Why Locum? Explore different practices and areas Gain skills and experience while finding the ideal job/practice Flexibility (childcare etc) Income source if nothing sorted before completion

Preparation for locum workPreparation for locum work 1 Finding work and tips for locum workFinding work and tips for locum work 2 Managing finances (invoice, taxes and pensions)Managing finances (invoice, taxes and pensions) 3 What will we cover today?

Preparation for locum work Start organising well before completion of training Look out for s/flyers for locum work Documents before starting work CCT GMC GP Register inclusion NHS England Performers list inclusion MDU/MPS subscription CV focused on locuming

Preparation for locum work Get Equipped and organised Doctor Bag Mileage log book Smartphone / Diary Sat nav /A to Z Business card Be readily available on phone and Financial stuff Self Employed / Limited company Accountant Income Protection Bank Account/Cheque book/Pay in slips Pension forms/paying into NHS pension

CV Keep it short Essential information GMC Number Performers list inclusion Contact details Smartcard number Clinical systems used Other information like CHS / DFFP Referees

Finding Work Send CV with cover letter to practices in target area s VTS Coordinator Practice manager Colleagues Locum GP chambers BMJ careers / GP magazine Locum Agencies Networking YPG meeting / social networks Website for locums (e.g., Be available on phone/ easily Other opportunities as freelance Working as medic for film crew (

Tips 1 – Booking work Establish details of work Date/timings/length of session/consultation times/no of patients Clinical system used Visits/Admin work/On call Rates Get confirmation in writing and acknowledge booking it Book work in diary/calendar immediately

Tips 2– Locum Rates Talk to Practice manager/Trainer/Other locums to know local rates Establish your rate Hourly rate Sessional rate Day rate Extra work – visits/on call/admin etc Develop negotiation skills

Tips 3– 1 st day of work Locum Pack Common stuff like Med3 & Investigation forms Letter heads/Dictaphone/tapes Computer / clinical system login details Few phone numbers Reception/Admin/Practice manager Patient/Staff toilets Tea/Coffee room Fire alarms/exits Panic alarms/button

Getting Paid Invoicing Allow 1 working week for processing Computerised Clear details of the sessions/ work done, amount to be paid, bank account details BACS/Cheque payments Software like PennyPerfectPennyPerfect Pension forms GP Locum A form

Management Set time aside for managing your locum practice Invoicing Collate GP Locum A forms Complete GP locum form B Pension contribution Keep all documentation organised for tax and pension purpose – Subscriptions, expenses for locum work etc

Paying Taxes Gross payments Set aside 35-40% for tax purposes Pay NI contributions by direct debit Record of all business expenses (original receipts) Keep Mileage logs Accountant

CPD/Revalidation MAGMAF form / RCGP Revalidation eportfolio (free for paying members) Reflective log of educational events/courses/meetings Significant events/Audits/complaints/MSF/PSQ Appraisal Book courses/education events in your calendar to avoid clashing with session bookings

Holidays Book well in advance De stress yourselves Quietest times – after Easter, November and January

Pitfalls of Locuming Isolation Appraisal difficulties – Patient feedback – Peer reviews/MSF – Audits – Prescribing data PCT communication –? likely to improve No Sickness/maternity benefits

Useful Links Register as Self Employed – ter-as-self-employed.htm ter-as-self-employed.htm NHS Pensions – GP Locums – National Association of Sessional GPs – Penny Perfect software –