Locuming Made Simple Dr Manjit Purewal WHY LOCUMING

Locuming Made Simple Dr Manjit Purewal

WHY LOCUMING?

AIMS n Gain Insight into preparatory work necessary to become a locum n How to enjoy locum work n Gain insight on financial issues and record keeping

OBJECTIVES Decide whether locuming is really for you n Be aware of steps required to start as a locum n Know what administration work is involved and how to keep on top of it n

Objectives (2) n Have an idea how to recruit an accountant, keep records for the tax man. n Be aware of other financial issues e. g. income protection n Be aware of pitfalls common to locums

PREPARATION n Start early n Where/what/when/how? n Supplementary list n Paperwork

Preparation (2) n National Association of Non -Principals n PCT list n Make sure you have all the necessary equipment. n CV and contacting surgeries

C. V. n Keep it short n precise information n what lists are you included in - minor surgery, child health, obstetric list n CLEAR CONTACT DETAILS

Booking an Appointment When/how long for? n How many patients/visits? n Admin. work/other clinics n On-call n Details of surgery n Get confirmation in writing n

ON THE DAY Where are things n How does the system/service run n Basic essentials n Taking and returning FP 10’s/MED 3’s n Being on call n Locum pack? n

RECORD KEEPING Discuss with your accountant n Keep all receipts - you can never have too many! n Set time aside for this each week makes sending out invoices a lot easier n KEEP ON TOP OF IT n

INVOICES Keep them simple n Use computer or visit a stationary shop n be precise about what you have done n make sure the figures are clear n Remember if it looks messy or complicated then your payment maybe delayed. n

FEES You must have a base to start from n learn the art of negotiation n speak to other locums n ask the practice manager what they normally pay n

TAX Find an accountant and discuss n Set up a savings account n Save about 1/3 of your monthly earnings. n Don’t touch it until after tax bill is received! n Payments are twice a year (Jan & July) n

TAX(2) Don’t be fooled by low tax returns in first year. n National Insurance contributions n Pension n PAY TAX ON TIME - otherwise you will be fined and charged interest! n

Other Finances n NHS Superannuation scheme - filling in of form A & B and sending it in. n Income protection

OTHER THINGS Equipment needed n Long term locums n Locum agencies n keep numbers of other locums n Personal Development n

POTENTIAL PITFALLS Isolation n Abuse by practices n Getting the right balance n Looking after your needs n being poorly organised n NOT BEING ABLE TO SAY NO n

ENJOYING IT n Talk to colleagues n Knowing what your own limitations are Being able to say no when inundated with work n Good way of finding the right practice for you in the future n