Locum work offers flexibility, variety, and freedom — but every GP practice you work in is also juggling pressure, patient demand, and admin overload.
Understanding what practices really want from locum GPs can make the difference between being a “one-off” booking and becoming their go-to doctor.
Here’s what they’re looking for — and how you can deliver it effortlessly.
1. Reliability Above All Else
If there’s one quality that practices value most, it’s reliability.
A locum who arrives on time, doesn’t cancel last minute, and completes notes properly is worth their weight in gold.
How to deliver it:
- Confirm your sessions promptly
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to log in and check your list
- Finish clinical notes and referrals before leaving
- If you can’t attend, notify the practice as soon as possible — not the morning of
Pro tip: airGP automatically logs your session dates, times, and confirmations so you can manage your commitments without mix-ups.
2. Clear and Courteous Communication
Practices appreciate locums who communicate clearly — with staff, reception, and patients alike.
Simple politeness goes a long way in building professional trust.
How to deliver it:
- Introduce yourself to the admin team and say goodbye when leaving
- Keep messages short, polite, and easy to follow
- If something isn’t clear (e.g. follow-up policy or workflow), ask early
- Thank the staff for their help — they’ll remember your courtesy
3. Clinical Competence and Good Judgment
No practice expects you to know everything, but they do value confident, safe decision-making.
Being able to manage risk appropriately and document your reasoning is key.
How to deliver it:
- Stay updated with NICE and local CCG guidance
- Document your thought process clearly (“safety-netting” is crucial)
- Use standard templates and code properly
- When in doubt, discuss with a senior or duty doctor
4. Complete, Accurate Paperwork
From referrals to fit notes and prescriptions, practices rely on locums to leave things tidy.
Incomplete notes or unsigned tasks can cause real problems for the next GP.
How to deliver it:
- Finish your clinical notes before you leave
- Complete any tasks assigned to you — or hand them over clearly
- Don’t leave results, forms, or letters unfiled
- Always double-check your prescriptions and referrals
Pro tip: With airGP, you can attach your session notes, pension forms, and invoices all in one place — no lost paperwork.
5. Good Use of IT Systems
Each practice may use slightly different setups — EMIS, SystmOne, Vision — but familiarity with the basics makes you stand out.
How to deliver it:
- Learn shortcuts for common templates and coding
- Keep your Smartcard active and working
- Record actions in the correct place (tasks, diary entries)
- If something doesn’t work, report it politely rather than ignore it
6. Smooth Invoicing and Pension Forms
Admin teams love locums who send clear, professional invoices and correct pension forms.
It saves them chasing, correcting, or explaining.
How to deliver it:
- Use a consistent invoice format
- Include your bank details, session date, and description
- Submit everything within 1 week
Pro tip: airGP automatically creates and emails invoices with the right Form A/B or GP SOLO contributions — saving admin time for both you and the practice.
7. A Calm, Positive Attitude
Finally, practices remember the GPs who stay calm under pressure, treat staff respectfully, and contribute positively.
Even a small gesture — helping with triage or a quick call — builds a great reputation.
How to deliver it:
- Be adaptable — every surgery runs differently
- Stay calm during busy clinics
- Offer to help if time allows — it’s noticed and appreciated
- Smile, even when the printer jams (again!)
In Summary
What practices really want from locum GPs:
- Reliability
- Communication
- Clinical competence
- Completed paperwork
- IT confidence
- Clear invoices
- Positive attitude
Deliver these consistently, and you’ll never struggle for bookings again.
Simplify the Admin Side with airGP
With airGP, you can:
- Log and invoice your sessions
- Log pension contributions
- Keep tax and payment records in one place
- Send invoices directly to practices
Save time, look professional, and become the kind of locum practices love to rebook.