Locum surgeons in rural New South Wales

It appears that the level of Locum surgeons in Rural Australia is incredibly variable. One wonders why surgeons who fullfilled all the requirements of the college of surgeons, have such substandard behaviour. Despite being paid handsomely for their service locum surgeons are often not up to the standard one would expect of a RACS fellow.

Several reasons come to mind:

- the fact that difficult surgery in an unknown environment can be challenging to say the least

- not being paid fee for service, which in a way makes the locum surgeon more passive and expectant

- handing over to the local surgeon on Monday

- no real need to resolve anything but real emergencies

These facts make that a lot of patients who would require surgery, maybe not emergent surgery to be fair, are handed over on a Monday to the local surgeon.

There is a perception that what is done in the country stays in the country. I have seen certain behaviours that are really difficult to explain.

Rural surgeons australia is tackling this topic with the hope to improve the locums performance. Let us hope it change takes place soon.

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