Most community pharmacies will need locum cover at some point – perhaps now more so than ever. Sarah Clark investigates how to make the experience a positive one for all

As more services are introduced into pharmacies to relieve the pressure on overworked GPs, pharmacy staff are relying on support from locums to help them cover the extra work. What does the landscape look like for locum staff, and how should pharmacy managers approach hiring locum team members in a way that benefits everybody?

Data supplied by end-to-end workforce management company Locate a Locum has revealed that workforce pressures have been driving increases in locum rates across three out of the four UK regions, with only Scotland showing a reduction in fees. England, Wales and Northern Ireland rates increased to an average of £37.14, £42.20 and £28.66 respectively (Pharmacy Market Review 2023). Across the board, this indicates an increase of around 3.5 per cent.

Locate a Locum CEO Jonathon Clarke says: “Community pharmacies continue to experience an unsettled period, with increased dispensing pressures as they continue to support NHS services – against a backdrop of reduced funding, drug shortages and store closures. Market forces are increasingly relying on locums to deliver services and ensure that pharmacists remain fully operational. More recently, we have witnessed an increase in negotiations between pharmacies and locum pharmacists in a bid to shift fill rates, in turn reducing the need for emergency cover.”

At the same time, evidence shows that rates are stabilising or even dropping in some parts of the country, and the Pharmacist’s Defence Association (PDA) expects this to carry on. Alison Jones, PDA director of policy told P3 Pharmacy: “The PDA has compared ONS data from 2012 and 2022 which challenges the assumption that pharmacist pay is at record high levels. There are huge regional variations and, in many regions, the pay rate has dropped (and this is even before inflation is considered). This may be a significant factor in why, for some regions, the hourly rate of pay for employees has fallen in the 10-year period – and this does not indicate that there is a shortage of pharmacists.”

Adrian Hodges, associate director of pharmacy UK and NI at Clarity Locums, believes: “In recent years, average hourly rates for locum pharmacists in the UK have indeed been at record highs. However, the landscape might be changing due to various factors, such as market dynamics, supply and demand of shifts and regulatory changes. I am predicting the usual market trends for 2024, where rates will be higher during peak months and lower during off peak months. There are still always going to be those hard to fill regions of the UK which will naturally command a higher rate due to the supply of locum services in these areas.”

Making life easier for locums

The PDA has raised some concerns via its members about issues affecting pharmacy working conditions for locums, such as self-checking, having appropriate staffing levels and being able to take adequate rest breaks.

“Working conditions are a major contributory factor to the number of experienced pharmacists who are reducing their working time, becoming locums rather than employees, or leaving practise entirely,” says the PDA. “Government, employers and others concerned with workforce planning should prioritise getting these basic safety standards in place in every pharmacy, all the time, if they want pharmacy to be adequately resourced in future.”

According to Jones: “Data from the 2022 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey (England only) show a considerable reduction in overall staffing within community pharmacy. This adds pressure for pharmacists as they are often undertaking non-clinical work (like checking off deliveries) in addition to their roles. Preliminary data from the PDA’s most recent workforce survey confirms this (the results will be published in due course), and shows that approximately two thirds of all pharmacists are doing more non-clinical work (in addition to the clinical work) in the pharmacy due to lack of support staff.”

Greater support

With the introduction of Pharmacy First, pharmacy is likely to need even more support – and that includes good quality, reliable locum pharmacists. Alastair Buxton, director of NHS Services at Community Pharmacy England agrees that locum pharmacists are a vital part of the community pharmacy workforce, and believes that as the NHS Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework evolves, locums will want to review their knowledge and skills related to NHS services in the same way as owner and employed pharmacists.

He says: “Recent service developments, such as the national Pharmacy First service, have begun to make better use of the clinical expertise of community pharmacists, empowering them to provide better support for their patients and cement their role as key healthcare professionals.

“This represents an important strategic step for community pharmacy and those that work in the sector, including locums. We believe most pharmacy owners will want to offer the Pharmacy First service and there will be a demand from patients, so pharmacy owners will therefore want their locums to be able to provide it.”

Community Pharmacy England provides a range of useful information, guidance and resources to support all pharmacists, including locums, and to help them prepare to provide the Pharmacy First service. “In particular, we have published a checklist to help pharmacists, including locums, get going with the service, which can be found at: cpe.org.uk/pharmacyfirst,” says Buxton. “This, along with all our resources, will be updated as more information and support are released.

“Locums not receiving our email newsletters or those of LPCs in the areas where they work are advised to sign up to ensure they hear about new developments as soon as they are announced.”

Hodges recommends contacting a locum agency such as Clarity Locums for locum staff – well in advance. If that’s not possible, he suggests being flexible on rates, based on the urgency of your needs. “Remember to clearly communicate the locum’s specific roles and responsibilities, including any additional services required,” he advises, “and share essential information about the pharmacy, its policies, and local procedures to ensure a smooth transition. Ensure that locum staff have access to necessary resources, provide a contact person for questions or concerns, and offer a feedback mechanism to improve the locum experience and address any issues promptly.”

He also suggests that it’s important to provide comprehensive orientation to locum staff about important issues such as pharmacy layout, key policies and procedures, and to make sure that locums have access to all the necessary tools, information systems, and reference materials they might require. “Establish a mentoring system where experienced staff can guide locums through specific challenges and strive for reasonable working hours and breaks to prevent burnout and maintain high quality patient care,” he says.

His top tips for making the process of finding a locum easier for all concerned include engaging with a locum agency that can provide a broad network of professionals, offering competitive compensation and additional incentives to attract staff to remote locations and, where possible, block booking locums and providing accommodation and travel costs.

Stevie McIntyre, head of marketing at Locate a Locum suggests that employers should make sure their shift requirements are as clear and transparent as possible – this way, the locum can apply with a clear understanding of what is required, ensuring both parties are content. “For example, if a pharmacy provides specific services, it’s important to make sure potential locums are aware in advance and means the pharmacy can find a service compliant locum with the right skill set to perform vital tasks,” he says. “Similarly, it can be important for pharmacies to offer negotiation on shifts and ensure the price posted per shift is correct for the region. This will make shifts more attractive and increase the probability of the shift being filled early.”

He adds: “Communication is vital. Pharmacists should ensure locums have all the information they need in advance, during and after a shift. For example, on the type of PMR system used, the number of dispensers on site, volume of items typically dispensed and, of course, how the locum can claim for payment – perhaps there is an invoice template or specific process that will need to be followed.”