GP Locum issues

On the GP social media, locum GPs are angry that they are unable to find jobs because other allied healthcare professionals are undercutting them. Locum GPs are fully qualified GPs who work on a temporary basis, and they are often used to fill gaps in the workforce when a GP is on leave or sick. However, in recent months, there has been a growing trend of allied healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners, paramedics and physician assistants, taking on GP roles.

These allied healthcare professionals are typically paid less than GPs, and this is leading to a situation where locum GPs are finding it difficult to compete for jobs. One locum GP, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said: "I'm a fully qualified GP with over 10 years of experience, but I'm struggling to find work because I'm being undercut by allied healthcare professionals."

"I'm not saying that these allied healthcare professionals are not good at their jobs, but they are not GPs," the GP continued. "They don't have the same level of training and experience, and I'm concerned about the impact this is having on patient care."

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has also expressed concern about the trend of allied healthcare professionals taking on GP roles. The RCGP has said that it is important to ensure that patients have access to high-quality care, and that this means having access to GPs who have the right training and experience.

The RCGP has called for the government to take action to address the issue of locum GPs being undercut by allied healthcare professionals. The RCGP has suggested that the government could introduce a minimum pay rate for locum GPs (such as at OOH), or that it could provide funding to GP practices to help them cover the cost of hiring locum GPs.

The government has said that it is aware of the concerns about locum GPs being undercut by allied healthcare professionals, and that it is considering ways to address the issue. They have helped create this issue by giving PCNs funding for allied health care professionals via Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) allowing practices to get this workforce effectively for free. GP partners have had dwindling profits in recent years and can barely afford staff pay rises let alone locum GP rates.This funding is not eligible for doctors and the government has not yet announced any concrete plans to help locum GPs.

In the meantime, locum GPs are continuing to struggle to find work. Some locum GPs have been forced to take on jobs that are below their skill level, and others have had to leave the profession altogether. This is a serious problem for the NHS, as it is leading to a shortage of GPs.

The government needs to take action to address the issue of locum GPs being undercut by allied healthcare professionals. Additionally locum GPs have to understand that locuming is a double-edged sword, you benefit from the higher rates but you lose such things as job security, annual leave and sick pay. Applying for salaried roles may be the best option for a more stable income in the coming years.

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