IDGP Locum List

Unfortunately there are no locums on our IDGP locum list. The IDGP is currently looking at new strategies to try to increase the number of locums on our list, enabling it to become a more valuable source.

The IDGP has also had a number of locum agencies contact us with the details of interested locums looking to fill up their 2011 diaries with locum work in the Wollongong area. If your practice is interested in engaging any of these doctors please contact the agencies listed below for further information.

Rural Doctors Network (RDN)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SERVICE GIVES PRIORITY TO RA2-5 CLASSIFIED AREAS (RURAL)

Another useful contact is the Rural Doctor Network. This organisation may assist you with the following services:

• The NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN) attracts, recruits, manages and develops initiatives for locums in rural NSW. The supply of quality locums is seen as a significant factor in improving GP retention. The RDN Locum Service assists resident rural GPs to take short-term leave by organising, where possible, RDN employed locums to relieve them. Priority is given to GPs in remote areas and/or towns with three or fewer GPs, usually in RA 2-5 locations
• GP practices submit a locum request which is placed on a waiting list. When a request is made a Locum Coordinator will contact you. You can find request forms at this address, http://www.nswrdn.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=61480
• If a locum can be supplied, the practice enters into a contract with RDN. Although the cost of an RDN locum is subsidised, the practice is required to pay RDN a scheduled weekly fee-for-service. Details about the costs involved can be found at this address, http://www.nswrdn.com.au/client_images/888401.pdf

Ways to Actively Find a Locum Through RDN

1. Submit an expression of interest to the 'National GP Locum Program'

The Rural GP locum program has two main elements:

>    A register of GPs willing to provide locum services to rural and remote GPs; and
>    Financial subsidies for rural GPs to offset the cost of engaging a locum.

Who can apply for locum relief?  To be eligible to apply for this locum service, your practice must employ a VR GP who is working in a rural or remote area (RA 2-5 classified area). Visit the following website to determine the RA status of your practice, http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/Publishing.nsf/Content/locator

To find out more about this program, including how to apply and how the subsidy works, please visit http://www.nswrdn.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=181174

2. Contact an Independent Locum Doctor directly

RDN locums may not always be available. The RDN encourage Independent Locum Doctors (ILD) to be listed on their website. The Rural Doctors Network (RDN) provides a list of Independent Locum Doctors (ILDs) who advertise on the RDN website. The RDN provides information and assistance to GPs to access alternative rural GP locums, other than those employed by RDN. To view a list of ILDs on the RDN website, please visit, http://www.nswrdn.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=61490

3. Contact a commercial locum agency to assist your practice

Another way for you to attract a locum to your practice is via a commercial locum agency. You can find a list of commercial locum agencies that have contacted the Division directly in the table above. Alternatively the RDN had a page on their website listing all the commercial locum agencies, to view these agencies, please visit, http://www.nswrdn.com.au/locum/07upgrade/locum_service_websites.php