Locum doctors putting patients 'at risk'

THE heavy reliance on locum doctors by NHS hospitals in the UK is putting the safety of patients at risk, a senior Scottish physician has warned.

• Picture: PA

Many wards rely on locums - temporary workers often trained overseas and supplied by agencies - to cover gaps in their rotas caused by staff shortages, sickness and other absences.

But Professor Chris Isles, based at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, has expressed concern about the quality of staff being sent to hospitals and the misleading information supplied about their experience, a problem he believes is occurring across the UK.

In an article in the British Medical Journal today, Prof Isles recounts his frustrating hunt to fill his medical staff rota using locums who were trained overseas and referred by agencies.

He was dismayed to be offered locum doctors who were inappropriate due to a lack of experience or qualifications or who were suffering fatigue.

His comments come after the British Medical Association warned on Monday about inadequate checks being made on foreign doctors' language and clinical skills when they come to work in the UK.

There has been an increase in demand for agency locum doctors following the implementation of the European Working Time Directive, which limited junior doctors' hours to 48 a week.

In one case highlighted by Prof Isles, the hospital was offered a general medicine SHO (senior house officer). The agency said: "If he is of interest, snap him up as he won't be around for long as his CV looks brilliant."

But buried in the CV, Prof Isles said, was a reference from a UK consultant who said his skills were only equivalent to a doctor in their first or second year out of medical school. The consultant said he would be suitable for a post under close supervision, so the hospital decided not to continue.

The hospital was offered a European doctor and Prof Isles sent an email welcoming him. The agency said the booking had been accepted and paperwork completed.

But two days later Prof Isles received an email from the doctor, in poor English, stating: "Sorry. I received your message but I do not understand about which company you are talking. I do not know anything about your hospital (that should I can go).

"If you can tell me more details or it is a mistake?"