A census survey done by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain in 2002 revealed that about 8,500 physicians worked in locum pharmacies, contributing to about 37% of all physicians. Locum (temporarily-placed) pharmacy is an almost unheard of concept, especially with the general public, but it is certainly well-accepted in the pharmaceutical domain.
Locum pharmacists blend well with the definition of community pharmacists, but it is interesting to know that a community pharmacist actually practices as a locum in many settings.
Locum pharmacies are considered settings for those that work part-time or freelance. For example, locum pharmacists choose to do part-time jobs in many settings, giving rise to the concept of locum work in the field of medicine. Para diem nursing, a concept of nursing used in the United States of America, works on the same principle broadly. Some locum pharmacists, though, treat this as a full-time occupation and earn their money by doing locum pharmaceutical work.
Almost 70% of the locums, though, prefer to work part-time and only during their weekends. This allows them to supplement their regular stream of income, which they earn during weekdays.
This work type works best for parenting pharmacists who don’t have a lot of time on their hands to work full-time for conventional model pharmacies.
Locum pharmacy as a career exists in the United Kingdom, and thus to work as a locum pharmacist, the individual needs to be registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Documents such as the individual’s birth certificate, marriage proof, if any, and other relevant documents need verification from the RPSGB at the time of registration.
Locum pharmacy is an attractive new way for individuals to get involved with the domain of pharmacy. This works best for individuals who don’t wish to spend a lot of time working and yet earn some money with whatever little work they do.