FAQs/Rules for the Groups

Text 07481 999111 to Join

There are now 2 Networks of Locum WhatsApp groups:

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1) One for Locum GPs and Practice/Rota Managers

Join using this link (ID will be confirmed): https://bit.ly/GPLocumGroups

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2) Another for other Locum HCPs who work in General Practice - ANPs, Nurses, Physician Associates, Paramedics, HCAs, Pharmacists, NPs, ECPs, ACPs etc

Join using this link (ID will be confirmed): https://bit.ly/HCPLocumGroups 

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[Practice/Rota Managers & GP Partners may join both networks to post jobs]

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What are the Locum GP WhatsApp groups?

There are multiple WhatsApp groups covering England. Practices and Locum GPs may join the groups for free by texting 07481 999111 or by using the links above. Practices can post locum requirements in the groups and Locums can contact the practices directly if they can help. This is a free service. T&Cs are negotiated directly between Locum GPs and the Practices.

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Are there any rules?

By joining/deciding to remain in the groups, you agree to behave in a professional manner (no spamming/copying personal data etc). 999111 may communicate with you occasionally however to help improve its service to you and the community. The 'Locum' groups are to be used for advertising and responding to Locum Ads only. The 'Chat' groups are for professional chat/Q&As/networking.

 

What is WhatsApp?

To familiarise yourself with the workings of WhatsApp please see www.whatsapp.com.

 

Can we discuss fees in the groups?

Please see: https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/pay/gp-pay/competition-law-and-locum-gps

 

What does a practice manager need to know?

• Please mention your Practice name/location/system and contact details when posting. 

• Please leave a message in the group once a position has been filled.

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Can I join more than one group?

Locums may join more than one group. Practices should join their local group only.

 

Are there any groups for Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland?

There are no active groups for Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland at present unfortunately. 

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I am a GP partner. Can I join as a locum GP as well as on behalf of my practice?

Yes!

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Can I post permanent jobs/salaried jobs in the groups?

The WhatsApp groups are for Locum jobs only. You are welcome to post permanent jobs in General Practice (for GPs and other HCPs) in the Facebook GP Jobs Groups.

 

What restrictions are there?

There are none! 999111 provides the platform to connect. All negotiation and agreements are between the individual Locum GP/HCP and Practice. Locums can continue to contribute to the NHS Pension scheme and Practice Managers can of course use a locum agency if unable to find cover via their WhatsApp group. Practice managers can also approach locum GPs directly in future (if they like a particular GP/HCP who has covered for their practice before!) 

 

My group is quiet with few members - shall I leave?

Please stay! It will encourage other to join gradually. 

 

I have heard about the sister 'Chat' groups - what are they?

There are sister Whatsapp ‘Chat’ groups (green icon) for every area. Chat groups may contain Locums, Partners and Practice Managers (just like the locum groups) but they are for professional chat/Q&As and networking.

 

How can I 'mute' a group?

Tap on the group name at the top, then 'mute' then select the duration. You will still receive messages but your phone will not vibrate nor make a sound. You can also unmute.

 

How do I permanently leave a group?

You do not need to seek permission from me! If you wish to leave a group permanently tap on the group name at the top, scroll down to the bottom and tap on ‘exit group’. You can ask to rejoin at any time.

 

Will my contact details be shared?

No! Be aware however that members in your WhatsApp group can see the contact numbers for the members within that group. If you become aware of any spam messages then please inform me immediately as this is is not professional/reasonable use of the groups.

 

Do you have a Facebook group?

Yes - a few! Please see the Facebook Groups page here.

 

How can I give feedback?

Please text, WhatsApp, email or use the form on the Contacts page – your suggestions and feedback are most appreciated and always taken into consideration.

 

Which other organisations have you worked with?

Cogora which organises Pulse Live events agreed to mutually cross-advertise events and services for a while in 2017-18. I have also received kind support from Dr John Bidwell, a retired GP who had been doing something similar with great success in the North West for the past several years (www.gplocum.org). I would also like to say a big thank you to all of the individual GPs, Practice Managers and others who have been instrumental in spreading the word about 999111!

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

This service is being provided for free. I value the support everyone has given in spreading the word about 999111. The hope is to raise some funds from sponsors to cover runnings costs as well as to increase the services offered to Primary Care. Anyone interested in sponsoring 999111 is welcome to get in touch.

 

Thank you!

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