Since the enlarged locum membership group was put in place last July, we have had two formal meetings and also met informally at the British Pharmaceutical Conference and communicated by email.
We have looked to represent locum pharmacists both individually and generally. Several of the members of the group have undergone specialised training to enable them to represent pharmacists with problems at work.
In the wider context group members have attended White Paper events in different parts of the country, made representations over the Responsible Pharmacist regulations and been part of Transcom deliberations over the future of the new Professional Body.
Wherever and whenever the opportunity arises we will make sure that issues that matter to locum pharmacists are raised.
We are also, in conjunction with legal services in the PDA, writing 'How to be a Locum' which it is hoped will be particularly useful especially to the younger members.
The locum group is particularly fortunate in having a wide range of experience within the team, pharmacists at the start of their career and more 'mature' pharmacists, community pharmacists and a hospital locum, pharmacists who also work with PCTs and pharmacists representing both England and Wales. We have an informal liaison with a Scottish pharmacist and are looking to have the same arrangement with a locum from Northern Ireland.
We are keen to hear from you with questions, queries or for advice where you think we could help. We would particularly like to hear suggestions for items that you think should be covered in our agenda.