Message from Lynne Thomson Clinical Lead

“Currently we understand that many of our clients are facing unpresented demand for their services and getting candidates fit to work is becoming extremely challenging. It has been brought to our attention that most vaccine providers are taking precautionary measures whereby either closing or restricting access to their facilities for the foreseeable future. These measures have had a huge impact on prospective healthcare workers being able to source providers of vaccines to either commence or complete their vaccine courses.

As a result of the challenges facing candidates, I chaired a meeting this morning with my clinical team, and we reviewed our current screening process to establish if changes could be made to reduce the burden of the COVID 19 outbreak. The huge impact these measures will have on the availability of locum workers who require to undergo a fitness to work assessment cannot be understated. Following our meeting, I have spoken to all the key stakeholders and shared the planned changes to our screening process that will ensure our clients can continue to provide key staff to the NHS in a timely manner.

The changes that have been agreed will ensure that if a candidate is unable to obtain the necessary evidence, we will still be able to offer a fitness to work certificate. All restrictions will be clearly stated on the fitness to work certificate and any risk posed will be made very clear. As part of this new measure, these risks must be accepted by both our client, the booking hospital/trust and the candidate.”

Should you require further information on what we are doing to support our clients or for general information regarding covid-19 review our other news releases.