title: The challenge of locum working arrangements in New South Wales public hospitals.
abstract: Use of locum medical officers is increasing in the NSW hospital system. Locums are expensive, and have highly variable expertise and experience. Locum employment arrangements are ambiguous. Locum work may divert junior doctors from participation in specialist training. Attempts to regulate the locum workforce must be accompanied by measures that increase the appeal of public hospital work and vocational training positions.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. clares@med.usyd.edu.au
authors.forename: Clare A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Riordan
authors.forename: Kylie L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Buchanan
authors.forename: Kerry J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Goulston
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003284:Contract Services; D006280:Health Workforce; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D013038:Specialization