§ Mr. HuttonA locum can be defined as a doctor with a temporary as opposed to substantive contract who temporarily fills vacant positions or covers the work of absent colleagues.
The table shows the number of medical and dental staff with locum contracts working in the national health service as at 30 September 2002.
Hospital, Public Heath Medicine and Community Health Services (HCHS): Medical and dental locum staff (Headcount) England as at 30 September 2002 Number All locums1 3,700 1 HCHS doctors with locum contracts—excludes doctors who also hold a substantive contract. Note
Locum data was not collected in the HCHS March 2003 mini census.
Source:
Department of Health 2002 medical and dental locum work force census.
The following table shows the number of general practitioner locums working in the NHS as at 31 March 2003.
General Medical Practitioners1 who work exclusively as locums, in England, as at 31 March 2003 Number Loums2 4,644 1 All practitioners include GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs, PMS Salaried GPs, Restricted Principals, Assistants, GP Registrars, Salaried Doctors (Para 52 SFA), PMS Other, GP Retainers and Flexible Career Scheme Gps. 2 General Medical Practitioners with locum contracts—excludes doctors who also hold a substantive contract in GP practice. Source:
Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics.