Why I became a locum pharmacist
I have been working as a locum pharmacist for nearly 15 years, which coincides with the entirety of my professional career. Initially, it provided flexibility to manage personal health challenges following my qualification, as well as the opportunity to travel. Later, as I became the primary caregiver for my elderly father, locum work allowed me to balance my professional duties with my caregiving responsibilities. The flexibility to adjust my work schedule based on my needs, without the pressure of affecting an employer or team, has been invaluable.
The flexibility is the most rewarding aspect. In recent years, I have spent considerable time in hospitals caring for my father, and being a locum allowed me to take extended breaks as needed without the constraints of a permanent role. This flexibility has been particularly meaningful, especially as I witnessed other family members struggling with caregiving responsibilities due to their work commitments. It has deepened my appreciation for the flexibility locum work provides.
The unique challenges of locum pharmacists
In the early stages of my career, adapting to different pharmacy systems and dynamics presented a challenge. However, over time, I developed strategies to efficiently integrate into various settings, ensuring both effective patient care and smooth collaboration with different teams. I am now confident in my ability to work in any pharmacy environment.
One current significant challenge is the limited availability of structured training opportunities for companies that frequently employ locums. Over the years, I have made personal connections and found ways to upskill myself, which has enhanced my practice and ability to contribute effectively to the teams I work with. However, this process has been largely self-directed. Companies should consider offering formal training pathways to ensure that locums are fully competent and confident in their systems and processes, which would benefit both the staff and the organisation as a whole.
Given the upcoming changes in independent prescribing (IP) and pharmacy practice, I would advise new pharmacists to first establish themselves in a permanent role to gain comprehensive training and experience, particularly with prescribing. It is essential to be fully qualified and confident in your new responsibilities before considering locum work in these evolving models of practice.
Accessing training and development opportunities as a locum can be challenging. For example, being added to health board mailing lists or obtaining an NHS email address not tied to a specific role can take considerable time. However, this process has become easier over the years. Additionally, company-specific training, such as understanding their systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), is often difficult to implement without in-person guidance. As a locum, you may not have the time or opportunity to practice these processes during your shifts, and training outside of working hours is often necessary, though not always offered. While it is crucial to ensure competency as a professional, there is room for more structured support to make better use of the locum workforce.
There is a general perception that locums are undervalued, and this affects the opportunities available to us and our career progression. The difficulty in accessing independent prescribing qualifications, even for self-funding individuals, illustrates the barriers locums face. This issue is further exacerbated for women or individuals with caregiving responsibilities who may not be able to take on a permanent role. The flexibility locum work provides could help to increase the workforce and improve the profession’s overall training, but this potential is not being fully realised. Rates of pay are another concern; despite being a legal requirement, many platforms do not allow for personal negotiation, and this issue is not being adequately addressed. While locum work comes with inherent challenges, such as fluctuating pay rates and work availability, it is often pursued with these factors in mind.
The differences between pharmacy settings
There is often a misconception that transitioning between different pharmacy settings is straightforward. While possible, each setting requires distinct skills and training. A clinical pharmacist in a hospital ward for example, has a very different role compared to a GP practice pharmacist or a community pharmacist. While there is overlap in our expertise in medicines, the day-to-day responsibilities and required skill sets vary significantly. Although we can retrain and work across settings, it is common for pharmacists to specialise in one area or retrain for a new path.
Why locums should be PDA members
I would highly recommend that all pharmacists, especially locums, become members of the PDA. The PDA is run by pharmacists for pharmacists, and it advocates for our needs and interests. It provides essential support, guidance, and training while working to improve the conditions of our profession. As the only trade union dedicated exclusively to pharmacists, the PDA plays a vital role in creating a stronger, more united workforce. The union helps to bridge the gap in support and ensures that pharmacists have the tools and resources they need to navigate the challenges within our profession.
By Chand Kausar, PDA Regional Committee Member and locum pharmacist
PDA seeks locum pharmacists’ views on rates of pay
The PDA has recently launched a survey which asks locums about rates of pay and availability of work. The survey results will be used to help inform the PDA’s advocacy, policy positions and the direction of work to help improve conditions for locum pharmacists.
The PDA is encouraging all locums to have their say by completing this confidential survey by Monday 21 April 2025.
Learn more
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.