The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7235 p188
8 February 2003
PDF* 90K
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The Pharmaceutical Journal |
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PDF* 90K |
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OFT report
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Locum pharmacy2003 — the year of the pharmacistFrom Mr S. J. Taylor, MRPharmS I read with interest the letter from David Blake (PJ, 1 February, p153) regarding locum rates and mileage payment and would like to make a few of my own points in response. Mr Blake suggests that 2003 could be the year of the locum. I would contend that 2002 was the year of the locum, with many locums raising their rates as soon as demand increased slightly. This brought about the ludicrous situation of locums asking for fees in excess of £25 per hour over the summer period, when a week or two before their rates were £18.50 per hour. Not only that, but many locums also asked for "travel time". This meant that, even if the journey they had to make was only 20 to 30 minutes, two hours' travel time was also demanded along with door-to-door mileage payments. Mr Blake also suggests that payments should be sought for work within 48 hours of completion of an engagement. And how exactly is this meant to be accomplished other than by the dubious means of paying money from the till? A pharmacy manager is paid four weeks in arrears, along with all other staff. Why should a locum be treated differently? It is a sad fact that locums have a great deal of power over pharmacy owners, whether independent or multiple. I would like to say to all owners that you should pay nothing above £18.50 per hour, but if I did that I would leave myself open to accusations of "fee fixing". Let us make 2003 the year of the pharmacist — professional, hard working, caring, giving excellent customer service and error free dispensing. Please let us not see the money grabbing attitude that reared its ugly head in 2002 ever again. Stephen Taylor |
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