Information for Clinics

The purpose of this page is to enable Clinics/Health Services request and secure the services of a GP Locum to their practice.

Role of Clinic or practice

The clinic or practice requesting locum relief is responsible for:

• Completing a Locum Request Form providing advance notice of the need for the locum - preferably 12 weeks in advance (longer for peak holiday periods)
• Promptly signing and returning Service Agreement to Locum Program Coordinator 
• Providing appropriate accommodation and work related transport for the locum
• Ensuring that there are adequate staff employed at the clinic, and that the clinic has adequate stocks and equipment
• Providing a thorough briefing and handover to the locum
• Completing an evaluation form at the end of the period
• Reimbursing GPNNT for the assessed cost/salary and travel components
• Peak holiday periods and advance booking requirements:

Practices and clinics are encouraged to plan at least 12 weeks ahead for locum requests. This allows for:

• Recruitment, checking and orienting a suitable locum;
• Administrative arrangements, including acquiring permits and provider numbers
• For peak periods (see below), booking several months ahead is recommended.
• Christmas school holidays, Easter, June/July school holidays
• Adequate staffing levels:
  Adequate staff is defined as no less than 75% of the nomal constituted staff level for that clinic or practice.  The clinic or practice must provide a list of staffed and vacant positions at the time that they book the locum placement

Adequate stocks and equipment

It is the responsibility of the clinic or practice to ensure that they have adequate stocks and equipment for the locum GP to be able to perform their duties. If there are items that are not available, the clinic or practice must advise the locum GP prior to the placement so that they can bring supplies with them if they choose. The need to advise the locum GP of equipment availability is included on the checklist.

Handover

the clinic or practice is also responsible for ensuring that the locum GP receives a thorough handover, so that they are fully equipped to undertake the role. This should include as a minimum:

• hours of duty
• on-call and emergency arrangements
• staff rosters and staff duties
• orientation to clinic/practice including equipment and pharmacy
• introduction to administrative procedures and computer systems.
• Appropriate accommodation and transport

The clinic or practice is also responsible for providing appropriate accommodation and transport for the locum GP. As a minimum, the locum GP should be provided with a fully self-contained (i.e. not shared) and fully furnished house, unit or apartment. There should be access to telephone and internet and all utilities should be connected.  It is also highly desirable to provide the locum GP with access to a vehicle for after hours use.

Evaluation form

The Clinic/practice is asked to provide feedback about the GPNNT Locum Program and Locum GP.  This assessment will enable GPNNT to improve our service and provide valuable, appropriate feedback to the locum.   When providing feedback, this form should be a collaborative effort between all members of the health team.  Completed assessment forms will not be provided to the Locum, however specific issues noted may be raised.

Payment of Invoices

If a clinic or practice does not pay their component of the cost of the locum within the requested timeframe, they will not be eligible to access the LP again until this bill is met in full.

A list of available GP Locums is provided through the link
Please click on the link to contact our Locum Coordinator