The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7185 p209-212
16 February 2002

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  Community pharmacy
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Letters to the Editor

Locums

Continuity problems should be addressed

From Mrs S. Insole, MRPharmS

There have been articles and letters in The Journal recently which have highlighted the fact that community pharmacy is heavily reliant on locum pharmacists. I believe this is a fact of life which is with us to stay and not just a feature of the current shortage of pharmacists.

For a variety of reasons the chosen pattern of work has changed and more people are opting for the flexibility that locum work offers. This being the case, it is time that proprietors and companies addressed the problems of continuity that this presents.

Every pharmacy should be required to maintain a day book to record ongoing and incomplete transactions, etc. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, a readily accessible file containing all the local information that might be needed, such as contact numbers for out-of-hours GP services, emergency drug delivery provision, translation services and so on, should be a compulsory document in every pharmacy.

Locums are often criticised for their performance and for not completing the tasks asked of them. However without the tools to do so, it can be made extremely difficult for them.

Sarah Insole
Bristol

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