Locum Frequently Asked Questions
We specialise in connecting highly skilled medical doctors and specialists with suitable assignments, with up to 1,200 shifts on any one day drawn from over 150 public and private hospitals across Australia.
Austwide Locums was established in 1972. The first of its kind in NSW and the largest and longest running locum placement agency in Australia, Liz Swinnerton and her team have built an enviable reputation for integrity, efficiency and quality of service.
- What hospitals will I have access to?
Austwide Locums currently has access to over 150 hospitals, public and private, city and country, large and small. As well as other health related facilities.
- Is there much work available?
With our extensive affiliations, we offer over 1,200 shifts on any one day. Chances are that you'll find what you are looking for.
- How much will I be paid?
Hourly rates are quoted with each notification of a shift. Rates range from $80 per hour to $180 per hour for crisis shifts. The average is about $100 per hour. The rate generally depends on your level of experience and expertise, and the urgency of the hospitals to fill the shift. The higher rates are usually attached to crisis shifts, for which candidates are usually notified by SMS or phone.
- How much does it cost to register?
There is no charge for registration.
- Am I locked into an agreement?
No. Once you are registered with us, you are free to apply for any of the shifts in which you are interested, and can discontinue at any time.
- What paperwork will I have to handle?
Once your registration is complete, we handle the paperwork for you. This includes submitting your accounts, issuing shift confirmations to you and the hospital, chasing up any late payments from hospitals, and you'll receive an annual activity summary for taxation purposes. It's like having your own secretary.
- How often is your list of available shifts updated?
We currently e-mail a full list of available shifts to all of our doctors each evening and e-mail or SMS urgent or particularly attractive shifts as they arise. Within a couple of months we will have a real time internet listing of all shifts and you will be able to access them using your access code and apply for the shifts you want at a time of your choosing.
- How much notice will I receive?
We email you each evening to inform you of all available shifts. These can be for the next day or up to three months ahead. Urgent shifts are SMS'd as they come to hand. You are, of course, free to accept or reject any shift.
- Will I be the only doctor in the hospital?
This usually depends on the size of the hospital. We will let you know if this is the case and you can decide whether or not to accept the shift.
- Will I be under pressure to fill unpopular shifts?
No. The choice is yours.
- Are the positions offered temporary or permanent?
Although we do offer full-time opportunities, generally the positions are temporary, ranging from one shift to three months work or more. Sometimes our affiliated doctors are offered full-time employment.
- Who should apply for locum assignments?
Medical professionals who are most suited to our assignments include:
- Those who are prepared to become a full-time locum or want part-time work
- Those who are between jobs or assignments
- Those who want to earn extra money during their holidays or spare time
- Doctors who have retired from full-time work
- Doctors who have taken time off from their training programs
For those who are on a working holiday, Austwide Locums can sometimes arrange travel expenses and accommodation.
- Can I get help with my CV?
See our page on preparing a CV.
- How confidential is my information?
We respect the privacy of our doctors. The only people we will be contacting about your registration will be your nominated referees [once only] and in following up on your Criminal Record and Working with Children checks. We will only forward your C.V. to a hospital with your permission and only in pursuit of a shift/s you have selected. You should be aware that each agency you register with will be required to contact your referees themselves.
Work where you want,
when you want!
Embrace life as a locum.
With so many benefits you really have nothing to lose.
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A unique benefit!
Austwide Locums offers
both FREE and heavily
subsidised training
opportunities for their
doctors! Read More >
Interested?
Then why not register
today and let us do the
hard work for you! Just fill
out this simple form...
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Contact Austwide Locums
Ph: (02) 9736 3320
Fax: (02) 9743 3634
Email: shifts@austwidelocums.com
Register with Austwide Locums
Our Money Back Guarantee
At Austwide Locums we see our task as fully meeting the needs of our associated doctors. We take this seriously indeed. So much so that we are prepared to offer this guarantee - the only locum agency to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about becoming a locum and locum placement? Read our frequently asked questions!