Being a locum can lead to feelings of isolation, so it is important that you remain connected in with others to maintain professionalism and for general wellbeing. The LMC offers the Support and Development Service, a confidential and independent counselling and mentor scheme for all GPs working in the area across the 5 LMCs. Alongside isolation you may struggle with work-related or personal stress which can lead to GPs experiencing problems such as burn-out or general unhappiness.
For more information visit our Support and Development page or contact Toni Parker at the office 01772 863806.
To find ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing you can visit our wellbeing page.
Sessional GP groups in Lancashire
The Lancashire and Cumbria Sessional GP Group meet bi-monthly from 19:00 – 21:00. Guest speakers are often arranged followed by a business meeting covering issues relevant to Sessional GPs including appraisal and revalidation. All Sessional GPs (all GPs other than Partners) are welcome. Please visit our Sessional GP get involved page for more information.
Support groups
To help you connect with other GPs you may want to join the following Facebook Groups:
RedWhale have a lot of useful free information on their website.
The following podcast has also been recommended which you may find helpful: 'You are not a frog: podcast for doctors'
The National Association for Sessional GPs (NASGP)
The National Association for Sessional GPs (NASGP) is the UK's only membership association dedicated to supporting sessional, salaried, and portfolio GPs and in recent years, other primary care clinicians. Founded by NHS clinicians for the NHS, it has spent over 25 years supporting, listening and engaging with sessional GPs and now has an audience of over 7,500 GPs, and 3,500 registered practices across the UK.
By working alongside national representative bodies, LMCs, commissioners and provider organisations (practices, PCNs, GP federations and urgent care), the NASGP ensures that sessional professionals are not just an afterthought in workforce planning but a core part of a sustainable NHS workforce model.
The NASGP runs LocumDeck, a digital workplace platform, connecting practices, provider organisations and NASGP members together. It wants to see an end to locum agencies by supporting the local flexible workforce to get together with local practices to work together.
Practices can join, browse and book locums on LocumDeck for free.
GPs can join the NASGP for free for three months, after which membership costs £12 a month.
BMA Sessional GPs Subcommittee
The sessional GPs committee is part of the BMA's GPC (general practitioners committee). They provide national representation for all salaried and locum GPs.