Fog

I’ve been a pharmacists for fifteen years but this mornings excuse from a locum still floored me – I can’t make it because it’s foggy! Professional – I think not.

Happy New Year Everyone

New Contracts from Multiples

A number of the larger multiple chains have brought out new contracts for locums. Boots, Co-op and Rowlands have all tries to re-define their agreements with locums in the last few months. In some ways this clarification of responsibilities for both parties is helpful. However, please don’t sign these contracts until you have talked to the PDA or similar organisation.

It goes without saying that these organisations exists to make a profit, something that is difficult in the current economic climate, so you can be assured that the new contract is not designed to make you more money unless you jump through hoops of their building.

I’m not saying that these companies are trying to con you but as with all legal agreements take advice before signing anything.

Christmas Sales – Why?

I’ve never understood the hype that surrounds post Christmas Sales. Hundreds of thousands of people pile into the shops to grab so called “bargains”. These “bargains are the same crap no-one bought before Christmas so why if you reduce them in price do they become suddenly become “bargains” and no just crap at a lower price – discuss!

Pharmacy Technicians

We are desperate for locum pharmacy technicians with experience in either hospitals or prison service pharmacies. If you know any locum technicians please get them to contact PL-UK on 0800 8818844 and we’ll send you a little gift as a thankyou!

2009 – a year of change for locums?

We are setting out our stall for successful 2009. We will have nearly tripled in turnover his year and would like to do the same next year. What could we do to make you work through PL-UK in 09?

Prison Pharmacy

I’ve just spent the day locuming at a maximum security prison. It really is a great place to work.

Hospital Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

At PL-UK we are at the final stage of (hopefully) achieving NHS PASA approved status for a three year contract. We’ve jumped through about five hoops  with one to go and if successful we will join the approved list in April 2009.

In preperation we are looking to recruit pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who have either hospital experience or are keen to experience hospital pharmacy for the first time. It’s important that we start to recruit now as the requirements for working in hospitals are more stringent than community. All candidates must be CRB checked by PL-UK and there’s some training obligations also. However, the upside is a very rewarding experience both professionally and financially and long term job security as hospital locum positions are usually for weeks or months not the odd day like community pharmacy. MFor more information please call Shaun on 0800 8818844

Accountancy software update

My accountant has told me that MS Office accounts is OK but can slow down your computer a lot. He suggests two online options Kashflow and Liquid Accounts.

Free accountancy software

I’m no accountant so wouldn’t pretend to be an expert on accountancy software. However Microsoft have a free accountancy software package called MS accountancy express 2008

http://www.msofficeaccounting.co.uk/Express.aspx

In my experience my accountancy software does far more than a locums accounts requires and unfortunately you have to pay for the additional functionality. Worth a look at least.

The Pill available direct from Pharmacies

It would seem that the long touted OTC supply of The Pill will go ahead next year. Initially on a trial basis.

For more info click on the link below

http://tinyurl.com/5azefh