Locum Agencies can be part of the Solution and not the Problem!

Locum agencies have long been viewed as a necessary evil within the healthcare sector. While they provide flexible staffing solutions and access to specialised skills, locum agencies have also been associated with issues such as fraud, overcharging, and poor quality of care. Despite these challenges, however, locum agencies can play a valuable role in the healthcare sector, helping to ensure that patients receive high-quality care even during periods of high demand or staff shortages.

According to the General Medical Council, around a third of all registered doctors in the UK are not currently working in the NHS. This highlights the scale of the staffing challenge facing the healthcare sector and the importance of locum agencies in providing flexible staffing solutions.

One of the primary advantages of working with locum agencies is their ability to provide flexible staffing solutions. "The use of locum doctors and nurses has become increasingly common in the NHS over recent years, particularly during times of staff shortages. These temporary staff can help to ensure that patients continue to receive high-quality care even when the permanent workforce is stretched," notes Professor Derek Alderson, President of the Royal College of Surgeons.

Locum agencies can also provide access to specialised skills that may not be available within the permanent workforce. "While there have been some negative incidents associated with locum agencies, it is important to recognise that not all agencies are the same. Many reputable agencies have established rigorous screening and training processes to ensure that their temporary staff meet the highest professional and ethical standards," emphasises Ian Dalton, Chief Executive of NHS Improvement.

A report by the NHS Confederation found that the use of agency staff can help to reduce waiting times for patients, particularly in emergency departments. The report found that the use of agency staff was associated with a 29% reduction in waiting times for patients waiting to be admitted to hospital from A&E.

In 2019, the NHS spent £3.7 billion on temporary staff, including agency workers and bank staff. While this represents a significant cost, it is important to recognise that temporary staff provide a vital service in ensuring that patients receive high-quality care, particularly during periods of high demand or staff shortages.

According to a survey conducted by NHS Providers, over 80% of NHS trusts reported that they had used locum staff in the past year. The survey found that the main reasons for using locum staff were to cover staff absences, to provide additional capacity during periods of high demand, and to cover vacancies.

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that locum GPs provided a similar quality of care to regular GPs, and that patients were generally satisfied with the care they received from locum staff.

Despite the benefits of working with locum agencies, there have been concerns about the quality of care provided by temporary staff. While there have been some high-profile cases of poor quality of care associated with locum staff, a study conducted by the University of Manchester found that there was no significant difference in patient mortality rates or quality of care between hospitals that used agency staff and those that did not.

"To maximise the benefits of working with locum agencies, healthcare providers should take care to select reputable agencies that have a track record of providing high-quality, reliable services. They should also establish clear policies and procedures for working with temporary staff, including training and supervision protocols, to ensure that all staff provide high-quality care and adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards," emphasises Professor Judith Smith, Director of Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham.

These measures can help to ensure that patients receive high-quality care even when the permanent workforce is stretched or during periods of high demand.

Locum agencies have also started to change the way they operate to improve their reputation. One such agency is Key Health, which has made sustainability its core mission. "By making our core mission to be a sustainability-focused talent partner, we take a long-term view when helping our clients meet needs in crucial periods of demand spikes as well as longer-term supply issues as an all-encompassing talent solution," explains Affi Khan, Director of Key Health.

Key Health's mission is to work in partnership with clients to create long-lasting, productive partnerships and prioritise longer-term workforce planning. This can help transition clients away from last-minute cover and into interim contracts for better continuity of patient care. The agency also focuses on insourcing services to meet waiting list pressures.

"With the ultimate goal to deliver permanent solutions that allow our vital healthcare services to continue delivering world-class patient care in a sustainable way. Our long-term goal effectively becomes getting to a point when our customers don’t need us anymore.

However, we take pride in being able to be a sustainable talent partner along the way, and we believe that being part of the solution instead of making the problem worse is a mission each member of our team buys into and gets behind," adds Khan.

In conclusion, while locum agencies have faced criticism in the past, it is important to recognise the vital role they play in the healthcare sector. By changing the way, they operate and focusing on sustainability, locum agencies can work with healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive high-quality care even during periods of high demand or staff shortages. With the help of reputable agencies and clear policies and procedures, the healthcare sector can make the most of the benefits that locum agencies can provide.

In addition, it is essential for healthcare providers to work closely with reputable agencies that have a track record of providing high-quality, reliable services, and to establish clear policies and procedures for working with temporary staff. By doing so, they can ensure that all staff provide high-quality care and adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Furthermore, by prioritising sustainability and long-term workforce planning, locum agencies can help to provide more sustainable staffing solutions that reduce the reliance on temporary staff and provide better continuity of patient care. With the ultimate goal of delivering permanent solutions that allow healthcare services to continue delivering world-class patient care in a sustainable way, locum agencies such as Key Health can be a valuable partner for the healthcare sector.

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29 November 2024

November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to addressing the unique challenges men face in their mental well-being. While mental health struggles can affect anyone, men working in healthcare often encounter distinctive pressures that demand attention and understanding. The Silent Crisis Men’s mental health is frequently overlooked due to societal norms that discourage open dialogue about emotions. In the UK, men account for approximately 75% of all suicides, with suicide being the leading cause of death for men under 50. These figures are alarming, particularly for male healthcare workers who navigate high-stress environments daily. Healthcare professionals often work long hours, witness traumatic events, and carry the burden of caring for others. According to a British Medical Association survey, 44% of male doctors reported experiencing burnout, while male nurses are at higher risk of depression compared to their female counterparts. Dr. John Reeves, a consultant in emergency medicine, shared his perspective: “Healthcare is rewarding but relentless. Many of us struggle in silence, fearing stigma if we admit we’re not coping." Barriers to Seeking Help Despite the growing awareness of mental health, many men hesitate to seek help. This reluctance is often rooted in the perception that asking for support is a sign of weakness. For male healthcare workers, the pressure to “stay strong” can be even more pronounced. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology revealed that male healthcare workers are less likely than their female colleagues to access employee assistance programmes. Instead, they often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as excessive alcohol consumption, which only exacerbates their struggles. Building a Supportive Environment To create a healthier workplace for male healthcare professionals, organisations and colleagues can take proactive steps: Encourage Open Dialogue: Normalise conversations about mental health by sharing stories and providing platforms for discussion. Promote Resources: Ensure all staff are aware of mental health services available within the organisation. Foster Peer Support: Establish mentorship programmes where male employees can share experiences and support one another. Prioritise Work-Life Balance: Implement policies that reduce excessive workloads and provide adequate time off to recharge. Where to Seek Help If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s essential to reach out. Here are some trusted resources available in the UK: Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7 helpline) Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit the webchat at www.thecalmzone.net NHS Employee Assistance Programme: Check with your workplace for access to counselling and support services. Final Thoughts Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to challenge stigmas and support those who dedicate their lives to helping others. For male healthcare workers, prioritising mental health isn’t just important – it’s vital. By fostering open conversations and promoting accessible resources, we can build a culture where no one feels alone in their struggles. This November, let’s make mental health a priority and ensure that the men working tirelessly in our healthcare system receive the care and support they deserve.