We will all be pleased to learn that NHS England have agreed that all practices will be entitled to reimbursement of the actual cost of GP locum cover for maternity / paternity / adoption leave.  However, NHS England refer to the actual cost as being £1,113.74 for the first two weeks and £1,734.18 thereafter, or the actual costs, whichever is the lower amount.  In other words, it may not be the actual cost at all as the above cap has been imposed.

The reimbursement is intended to cover both external locums and cover provided by existing GPs within the practice who do not already work full time.  If the latter, GP Partners must agree themselves what the appropriate rate is, and either include the decision in the Partnership deed or by way of a formal minute.

Given that in a recent survey, the average daily rate of a locum quoted was quoted as £475 plus employers’ superannuation, practices should note that £1,113.74 represents 2.05 days and £1,734.18 represents 3.20 days, being approximately four sessions and just over six sessions respectively.  Careful planning is therefore necessary to ensure that all sessions are appropriately covered.

Written by: David Elliot
Tel: 0191 653 1022
http://practiceindex.co.uk/gp/bw-medical-accountants