A Locum's review of our practice

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Julie Turner — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:21:51 GMT

...and the same locum does not return twice!

My work usually comes by word of mouth, however if it's a practice I haven't been to before, I limit the term to a week - and we can see how we get on together. This is genuinely a two-way process. I no longer stay above the shop but this sounds like a thoughtful and caring place in the original post.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Clive Ansell — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 17:53:30 GMT

[quote user="grumpyoldman"]I cannot believe that this sort of thing is still common ?. [/quote]

I would not say it is common.

Most practices I have locumed for will make a reasonable effort to ensure practice accommodation is comfortable. and will ask if I have all I need, or will ask if the provided B&B is ok. It is almost always is.

In 15 years as a locum, I have refused to stay in accommodation 3 times. I am not that fussy, but I do expect a reasonable basic standard and to be treated like a human being.

Most B&B's I have stayed are adequate, but no more than that. I remember one that on the face of it seemed ok, got all the stars and awards whatever BS that is, but because I started work (consults) at 7am they would not provide breakfast half an hour earlier to allow me to get to work on time; all I wanted was cereal, toast, fruit and coffee making facilities available - but no go - less than accommodating to say the least.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

grumpyoldman — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 17:13:03 GMT

[quote user="Thomas Johnson"]t's not just locums though, I've been for permanent positions with accommodation provided that was filthy dirty and in awful condition, threadbare carpets, pealing paint and wallpaper, mould encrusted bathroom. I couldn't understand how the practice owner could show it to anyone, let alone expect someone to live there.[/quote]

I cannot believe that this sort of thing is still common ?. Locums usually stay at our house while we are away, which seems to suit them ,and they often say nice things about premises toys and nurses ,but I never take much notice of it because we pay well and quickly and do not pressurise them ,so they usually want repeat business, at least that was how I interpreted it?.

The original comments remind me a bit of the things you glance over in the visitors books in a Villa or Gite. Maureen and Dave from Barnsley " it was a lovely villa and the sheets pool and bathrooms were so clean". The questions that spring to my mind is why wouldn't they be? and why was that the highlight of your holiday you weirdo's?.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Thomas Johnson — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:06:01 GMT

[quote user="Linda Filshie"]Well yes, but I suspect you already know what he's talking about. However if you're really interested, although I've been accommodated well as a locum in places, in others I've been put up in filthy holes (inches thick in dust, bathroom disgusting, cooker so encrusted in grease it's a fire hazard, stained mattresses and all)[/quote]

It's not just locums though, I've been for permanent positions with accommodation provided that was filthy dirty and in awful condition, threadbare carpets, pealing paint and wallpaper, mould encrusted bathroom. I couldn't understand how the practice owner could show it to anyone, let alone expect someone to live there.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Clive Ansell — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 13:06:39 GMT

[quote user="Linda Filshie"]put up in a b&b that didn't do breakfast (!)[/quote]

Been there, done that, bought the T shirt. It wasn't in Peterborough by any chance was it?

I did a locum there in 2002 for a corporate where the B&B had encrusted mould in the bathroom, no hot water, central heating didn't work (January) and the woman who cooked breakfast didn't turn up - I refused to go back after one night.

I was once expected to live a practice for a week, sleep in the lab on vet beds, no bath or shower and only a microwave to cook. Threatened to bail unless a B&B was found.

These are one off exceptional events, and most of the time accommodation and reception by practice staff is excellent.

I always take my own bedding and pillow though, not keen on being offered other folks discarding bedding intended for animal use.

I don't like staying in B&B's, and much prefer a practice flat even if it is very basic.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

James Laidlaw — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 04:28:54 GMT

[quote user="Linda Filshie"]had a bedroom next to a kennel room where a rooster was a long-term inpatient[/quote]

This is the best I've ever heard! Anyone got anything better (*read "worse"*)

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Linda Filshie — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 21:07:06 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]

[quote user="J G Wray"]This might seem normal, but I can guarantee you that the standards of hospitality have witnessed in several different occasions have been generally somewhat shocking.[/quote]

Does anyone have any idea what this locum might be talking about?

[/quote]

Well yes, but I suspect you already know what he's talking about. However if you're really interested, although I've been accommodated well as a locum in places, in others I've been put up in filthy holes (inches thick in dust, bathroom disgusting, cooker so encrusted in grease it's a fire hazard, stained mattresses and all), had a bedroom next to a kennel room where a rooster was a long-term inpatient, been in places where the plumbing was suspect and the wiring downright alarming, and been put up in a b&b that didn't do breakfast (!) and was a 2 mile ill-lit walk from the practice through a dodgy area when I didn't have a car.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 21:01:46 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]Ever gone private? Why work down to the lowest common denimonator?[/quote]

Fair enough. Our pets share ward accommodation and staff, so having owners visit whenever they please, without prior notice, wouldn't be feasible. I guess if you're able to provide private rooms and individual allocated staff for your patients, the rules could be relaxed somewhat.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

James Laidlaw — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:57:41 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]

[quote user="J G Wray"]This might seem normal, but I can guarantee you that the standards of hospitality have witnessed in several different occasions have been generally somewhat shocking.[/quote]

Does anyone have any idea what this locum might be talking about?

[/quote]

Does being provided a stack of mattresses to sleep on count? Or being made to sign a 30+ page contract on the accommodation where if they decide there is any damage they can deduct it directly from your salary (same with the car, which I declined)? Or maybe not being provided a washing machine for your clothes other than the one full of animal hair in the practice... I have had some superb experiences too, but there are some shockers out there.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:53:28 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]Why not ask them - to be sure?[/quote]

We only need a locum once a year, when Ian and I are on our summer holiday. For approx the last 10 years, various friends, and one ex employee, have provided our locum cover. One lived in our house, the others were local and lived at home. All have been happy to return, and have remained friends.

But thanks for your concern.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

J G Wray — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:13:07 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]I equate it with a human hospital. I don't expect I can visit or speak to someone whenever I choose. They are too busy doing the caring.[/quote]

Ever gone private? Why work down to the lowest common denimonator?

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]Can't say that I've had any problems reported by our locums[/quote]

Why not ask them - to be sure?

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 17:04:58 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]... that sounds to me like a genius idea. Makes client feel special. Makes nurses feel special. [/quote]

I prefer all my practice visits and calls to be filtered via reception, using receptionists. Frees up the nurses to do what they do best - nurse. Owners are obviously told they can phone at any time, and IF the nurses are free they will talk to them. However, there are times when a visit or a call would be very inconvenient, and dealing directly with an owner would take a nurse away from doing something more important, like looking after their pet.

I equate it with a human hospital. I don't expect I can visit or speak to someone whenever I choose. They are too busy doing the caring.

I'm sorry if my reply was harsh, in your view Arlo. If the OP finds that their practice is unusually locum friendly, that's great. Can't say that I've had any problems reported by our locums but I'll remember to get a pint of milk in for them next time.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:31:17 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]Lovely to see someone so quick to congratulate themselves[/quote]

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]Really? I'm surprised. I expect many many compliments are received on a daily basis by every single member of this forum. Be a bit dull if everyone posted about them all eh? [/quote]

I think perhaps being a tad unfair here. I mean, I have many thoughts about JGW, but 'self-congratulatory' isn't one of them, and I'm a bit surprised you'd read that into his posts.

Besides which, isn't it actually rather useful and interesting to share examples of things that work (even at the risk of it seeming self-congratulatory)?

[quote user="J G Wray"]Finding fresh milk, bread and butter in the fridge[/quote]

Nice touch!

[quote user="J G Wray"]For example, I liked that the client can call in bypassing the reception ; I found this is inspirational.[/quote]

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]WHY would you want to do that?[/quote]

Was wondering myself, but when explained:

[quote user="J G Wray"]However, for the sake of clarity, the owners of in patients are supplied with a dedicated number and encouraged to phone to find out what's going on, if they wish. The nursing team upon whose shoulders the burden of answering these calls falls, like it so much they bought a new phone and presented us with the bill when the previous one "disappeared". They like it because that's how they'd like to be treated themselves and because it emphasises to the clients what their input is during the patient's time at the practice. Giving your nursing team scope to decide how they want to be recognised by clients is a good thing.[/quote]

... that sounds to me like a genius idea. Makes client feel special. Makes nurses feel special.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:05:23 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]I'm surprised you're so churlish about something said about a practice and its staff.[/quote]

Really? I'm surprised. I expect many many compliments are received on a daily basis by every single member of this forum. Be a bit dull if everyone posted about them all eh?

I am genuinely pleased for you. (However, I didn't rank your post, good or bad, ...the red star was nothing to do with me.) But with your recent post about how delightfully wonderfully your practice dealt with an awful FB review, then this thread, I do find it a bit much. But that's just me. If you want to shout about your successes from the rooftops, then go for it. Complaints are all too frequent in our job.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

J G Wray — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:49:12 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]This might seem normal, but I can guarantee you that the standards of hospitality have witnessed in several different occasions have been generally somewhat shocking.[/quote]

Does anyone have any idea what this locum might be talking about?

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Anthony Todd — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:47:21 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]Firstly, I would like to start with [/quote]

with permission from the "locum" to post his or her actual correspondence, so the sceptics and churlers can make sure it's a genuine comment on the practice.

Mind you, the manure some locums justifyingly post make this a welcome change and I don't think it was posted as a boast for the owner, more to point some practice owners in a better direction.

Yet another nonsensical one star, no sorry, just a personal attack via a professional [?] forum.

I wonder if there are other practices who treat locums as well?

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

J G Wray — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:46:29 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]WHY would you want to do that? .... I don't get it.[/quote]

I'm not surprised. However, for the sake of clarity, the owners of in patients are supplied with a dedicated number and encouraged to phone to find out what's going on, if they wish. The nursing team upon whose shoulders the burden of answering these calls falls, like it so much they bought a new phone and presented us with the bill when the previous one "disappeared". They like it because that's how they'd like to be treated themselves and because it emphasises to the clients what their input is during the patient's time at the practice. Giving your nursing team scope to decide how they want to be recognised by clients is a good thing.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

J G Wray — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:36:48 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]Lovely to see someone so quick to congratulate themselves.[/quote]

Correction; congratulate our team. I didn't put in what the locum said about the vets. I'm surprised you're so churlish about something said about a practice and its staff.

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]We have so much in common[/quote]

Balls? or Balls! - take your pick

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 14:02:29 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]For example, I liked that the client can call in bypassing the reception ; I found this is inspirational.[/quote]

?!?!?

WHY would you want to do that? Reception is there to receive and greet people. We can sneak someone in the staff door if we want, or let they directly out via an external door in the consulting room, but I don't want people wandering around on their own. Unless conducting a sordid affair I don't get it.

RE: A Locum's review of our practice

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 13:48:33 GMT

Lovely to see someone so quick to congratulate themselves. We have so much in common- my only fault is my excessive humility too.