The Royal College of Surgeons warns that government cutbacks have led to some hospitals using inexperienced locum surgeons as consultants. As well as a lack of experience, the organisation says some foreign locums do not have a good grasp of the English language.
The president of the College, John Black, said the problem is compounded by the European Working Time Directive, which states that people must not work more than 48 hours per week on average. Locums are supposed to be short-term hires but in some instances NHS Trusts have been employing them for up to five years.
To help hospital trusts ensure consultant surgeon meet the required national standards, the RCS has produced a report entitled Locum surgeons: Principles and Standards. This enforces the principle that locum surgeons should only undertake tasks which they are fully trained and experienced in.
The report points out that locums are generally employed to relieve the pressure on existing staff. Locum consultants should be on the specialist surgeon register, or within six months of qualifying for inclusion, the report says. Furthermore, trusts should not extend the appointment of a locum surgeon for more than 12 months.
Fully qualified permanent surgeons are best placed to provide long-term cover because they provide stability through in-depth knowledge of their department.
Gillian Econopouly, the head of policy at the REC, said we need to understand the reality behind hiring locums. They ensure that staff shortages do not lead to a decline in standards and without them, waiting lists will grow.
Since the coalition came into power last year, there has been a 55% increase in the number of locum vacancies and a corresponding 55% increase in online applications. NHS Trusts spent £232 million on surgical locums in 2009-10, a massive increase on the £119 million spent in 2007-08.
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Image: surgeon by romana klee
