Category: Pharmacy Insights

Pay Next Day: Simplified Payments for Pharmacies 

Posted on | by Bayleigh S
What is Pay Next Day (PND)? 

 Imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing your staff will be paid right after their shift ends, without any delays or hassles. That’s the promise of the “Pay Next Day” (PND) feature – a transformative approach to handling payroll that can significantly enhance your pharmacy’s operational efficiency and staff satisfaction. 

For pharmacy owners and managers, PND is more than just a quick payment tool; it’s a strategic advantage. This system ensures that your locums are compensated within 24 hours after their work has been verified and approved. This swift payment process not only boosts morale among your staff but also positions your pharmacy as a preferred employer—a critical factor in industries facing staffing challenges. 

From a managerial perspective, PND streamlines the administrative burden associated with payroll processing. It reduces the workload on your finance team and minimises the potential for payment errors, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. With PND, you can maintain a more focused approach on patient care and store management, knowing that the backend payment processes are taken care of efficiently. 

Why did we introduce PND? 
  • To simplify payment processes for busy pharmacies. 
  • Attract top locum talent with quicker turnaround of payment. 
  • Reduce administrative burden for invoicing and payments. 
  • Improve overall experience for both pharmacies and locums. 

 

How does it work? 
  • Review and approve locum timesheets as usual (within 48 hours, after which time it will be auto approved).  
  • Locumate processes payments to locums within 24 hours of approval of timesheet.  
  • Receive consolidated invoices from Locumate every Tuesday.  
  • Make a single payment to a central bank account instead of multiple payments to individual locums.  
  • Superannuation payments still go directly to locum’s superannuation fund. 

Pay Next Day is more than just a payment feature – it’s a revolution in pharmacy management. By streamlining your payment process, you’re free to focus on what really matters: providing excellent healthcare to your community. 

 

As we continue to innovate and improve our operational practices, PND stands out as a key feature that supports our vision of a supportive and efficient workplace. We encourage other pharmacies to consider this approach, as it fosters a positive work environment and positions your business as a leader in employee satisfaction and operational excellence. Consider PND as more than just a payment system; it’s an investment in your people and your pharmacy’s future. 

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

Prescription for Success: Psychological Safety in the Pharmacy World 

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

In the fast-paced environment of pharmacies, where precision and empathy are paramount, the concept of psychological safety holds huge significance. This concept revolves around creating a workplace culture where individuals feel secure to voice their opinions, share concerns, and contribute ideas without the fear of judgment or negative consequences. 
 
Pharmacists deal with complex medication regimens, patient queries, and evolving healthcare protocols daily. By fostering psychological safety, pharmacy teams can enhance communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. When pharmacists feel safe to express themselves and take calculated risks, they are more likely to innovate, adapt to challenges, and deliver exceptional patient care. 
 
To cultivate psychological safety in pharmacies, it’s essential to prioritize open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect among team members. Encouraging feedback, acknowledging diverse perspectives, and supporting each other through challenges can create a nurturing environment where pharmacists feel valued, heard, and empowered to excel in their roles. 
 
Psychological safety is not just a buzzword but a fundamental aspect of promoting well-being, teamwork, and professional growth in the pharmacy setting. By embracing this concept, pharmacists can build stronger connections, enhance job satisfaction, and ultimately elevate the quality of care they provide to their patients. Let’s strive to create pharmacies where psychological safety thrives, creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence in pharmaceutical practice. 

 
Regards,
Vedrana Djurkovic

Guide to 60-day Dispensing: Keeping your Patients Safe!

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

In the realm of pharmacy, the transition to 60-day dispensing in Australia has brought forth a wave of changes and new challenges for pharmacists. One of the major hurdles faced by pharmacists in this shift, is the crucial task of educating patients on the importance of adherence amongst the extended medication supply.

 

Due to the possible less frequent trips to the pharmacy, pharmacists need to make sure they are still able to monitor patient’s medications to ensure they are taken safely and correctly. Some of the risks of extended medication supply are over dosing, therefore counselling the patient on this new larger quantity of medicines, may include advice on how to store excess medication, when they are due to get a repeat dispensed, or maybe advise of drug administration aids.

 

It is important that patients comprehend the significance of consistent medication use, potential side effects, and the adherence to treatment plans. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in guiding patients through these changes, offering support, monitoring progress, and addressing any concerns that may surface during the extended dispensing interval.

 

By actively engaging with patients and providing comprehensive education, pharmacists can navigate these challenges effectively, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced healthcare delivery. The journey of implementing 60-day dispensing may be complex, but with dedication to patient education and support, pharmacists can rise to the occasion and make a positive impact on patient health and well-being.

Regards,
Vedrana Djurkovic

Preparing for Euro Summer 2024

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

It’s that time of the year again! When your patients plan to escape the cold winter in
Australia to enjoy the warm embrace of EURO summer. Whether your patients are
exploring the historic streets of Rome or lounging on the scenic beaches of Greece, its
important to prioritise health and well-being during travel. Here are some tips to consider
before setting off.

1. Medication Supply.

Advise your patients to ensure they have adequate supply of their medications to last the
duration of their trip. It’s a good idea to recommend taking extra, in case of any unexpected
delays or emergencies. Remind your patients to plan ahead, and give their doctors and
pharmacists plenty of time to organise prescriptions and stock before they travel. Help
patients with storage and handling of medications, especially when it comes to refrigerated
medicines. Supplying a fridge pack from the supplier or a small esky patients can transport
medications to and from travel.

2. Sun protection.

Europe’s summer sun can be intense, so it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of sun
protection. Advise your patients to pack high SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to ensure
sun safety. Educate them about the risks of sunburn and heatstroke, and encourage them to
find a spot under a colourful umbrella while they enjoy the scenery, and maybe a vino.

3. Water & food safety
Discuss the significance of drinking clean and safe water while travelling. In countries where
the water quality may differ from what your patients are accustomed to, advise them to
drink bottled water, and steer clear of tap water and ice cubes. It may be beneficial for
patients to carry oral rehydration salts to help combat the heat and post soirée
rejuvenation. Offer advice on travellers’ diarrhoea prevention, including hand hygiene and
being cautious with food choices.

4. Vaccinations
Look into travel vaccine advice for certain destinations, and advise patients to speak with
their healthcare provider. Have a discussion with patients on the risk and benefits of these
vaccines.

As a pharmacist, it’s crucial to prioritise the health and well-being of your customers,
especially when it comes to holiday preparations. Remember, being proactive and
knowledgeable in offering advice to patients can help ensure they have a memorable and
safe summer adventure

How our Apply feature ensures the right match every time 

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

At Locumate, our goal is to help you find the best locums to meet your needs efficiently and effectively. To enhance this process, we introduced the Apply feature which allows you to request that locums apply for a shift, instead of booking them immediately. We wanted to provide you with more control over your talent decisions and the ability to review candidates before making a selection. 

Why We Introduced This Feature: 
  • Enhanced Control: By requesting applications, you have more say in who fills your shifts, leading to higher satisfaction with the locums you hire. 
  • Improved Candidate Selection: The Apply feature enables you to review and choose the most suitable locums for your specific requirements, ensuring a better fit. 
  • Better Matchmaking: This feature helps in matching the right locum to the right shift, taking into account skills, experience, and availability. 
Benefits to You: 
  • Efficient Staffing: The ability to review and choose candidates can help streamline your staffing process, ensuring you have the best team in place when you need it. 
  • Reduced Turnover: Be confident you have chosen the right candidate for the job and reduce the likelihood of last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and ultimately poor customer experiences.  
  • Higher Quality Matches: Review applications and select locums based on their resumes and experience, leading to better quality matches for your shifts. 
How it works
Screen Shot 2024-05-31 at 5.58.16 pm
  • Accept Shifts: Shifts with the blue Accept button are available for locums to book immediately, ensuring quick and easy filling of urgent needs. 
  • Apply Shifts: Shifts with the yellow Apply button require locums to submit their resume or CV for your review, allowing you to select the best candidate from a pool of applicants. 
How to Use the Apply Feature: 
  1. Post Shifts with Apply Option: When posting shifts, choose the Apply option for roles where you want to review candidates before selection. 
Screen Shot 2024-05-31 at 6.01.38 pm

2. Review Applications: Once locums apply for the shift, review their resumes or CVs to assess their suitability. 

Screen Shot 2024-05-31 at 6.03.55 pm

3. Select the Best Fit: Choose the locum that best meets your requirements and offer them the shift through the app. 

4.  Wait for Confirmation: The selected locum will receive a notification and must respond within 24 hours to confirm their availability. 

Important Note: If a locum accepts a different shift that conflicts with one they have applied for, their application for your shift will be automatically withdrawn. This helps prevent scheduling conflicts and ensures you are only considering available candidates. 

We believe this new feature will significantly improve your staffing process, providing you with more control and better matches for your needs. We are committed to helping you find the best locums efficiently and effectively. Happy staffing! 

 
Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

 

Elevating Pharmacy Operations Through Feedback

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

In the fast-paced world of pharmacy operations, continuous improvement is key to success and satisfaction—for both your team and the locum pharmacists you partner with. In our newsletter this week, we wanted to highlight the invaluable tool we have built into our platform in this quest for excellence: our feedback feature, accessible immediately after approving a locum’s timesheet.

pharmacy feedback collection EDITED

This feature does more than collect comments; it’s a cornerstone for building stronger, more effective collaborations between pharmacies and locum pharmacists. Your feedback helps us tailor the Locumate experience, ensuring the platform meets your specific needs and preferences. Moreover, it provides locum pharmacists with constructive insights on how they can better align with your operational goals and expectations, enhancing the quality of care provided to your customers.

Engaging with our feedback system helps contribute to the culture of continuous improvement and open communication we want to cultivate on the platform. By sharing your experiences and suggestions, you help shape a more efficient, supportive, and responsive ecosystem that benefits pharmacies and locum pharmacists alike.

Please take a moment to share your feedback after each engagement if you aren’t already, and always feel free to share any additional thoughts or experience you have with our Support team at [email protected] – they are always here to listen and support you. Together, we can redefine the standards of locum support and pharmacy operations.

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

Pharmacy Update: Pay rate display change

Posted on | by Bayleigh S
Pay Rate display changes  

As part of our recent release of Locumate version 2.0, we made a few adjustments to make your experience on the platform even better. Today, we wanted to chat about the changes we made to how your pay rate is displayed.  

We know how confusing it can be when you are trying to calculate how much you can afford to pay the locum when there is super, travel, tax and so many other things to consider. To make this easier for you, we updated the rates advertised for each shift to now be displayed without super.  

So, what does this mean for you and your pharmacy?  

When you are posting shifts, you will see the payment range for the shift excluding super, so you know exactly what the locum will need to receive in their bank account. Our built-in calculator will then automatically determine the super amount and display the total compensation you will be expected to pay. This saves you time and effort in calculating total costs and enables you to budget accordingly.  

Screen Shot 2024-03-28 at 11.24.20 am

Figure 1. When posting a shift, you will enter the payment range excluding super, and the Locumate calculator will automatically inform you of the super amounts and the total rates including super 

You’ll be able to see how much super you will need to pay the locum when you accept their timesheet. 

Image 28-3-2024 at 11.33 am

Figure 2. View how much super you will need to pay the locum when you accept their timesheet.  

You can also review your super contribution when you receive your invoices.  

We hope this provides some clarity and explains how this change makes it easier for you to know exactly how much you are spending on your locums.   

Thank you again for your patience, support and for being part of the Locumate Family!  

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

 

 

How to Transform Your Pharmacy into a “Green Pharmacy”

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

As the spotlight turns towards the pharmaceutical sector’s commitment to environmental sustainability, individual pharmacists emerge as catalysts for change. In anticipation of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Eastern Australian Time), the call is clear: it’s time to make your pharmacy a green pharmacy. While large pharmaceutical companies undoubtedly play a significant role, recognising the potential for impactful contributions from individual pharmacists through small, everyday changes becomes imperative.

  1. Sustainable Packaging: A Lighter Load on the Earth

Start by minimising packaging waste, using only what is essential, and ensuring proper disposal methods. Actively encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging within the pharmacy, complemented by the initiation of recycling programs. Small changes here amplify the collective impact on waste reduction.

  1. Medication Disposal Programs: A Beacon of Responsible Practice

Be a champion of responsible medication disposal within your community. Educate patients on proper disposal methods and take the lead in organising local disposal programs. These initiatives not only align with environmental stewardship principles but also create a ripple effect, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

  1. Energy-Efficient Practices: Illuminating a Greener Tomorrow

Contribute to energy efficiency by adopting simple practices—turn off lights and electronic devices when not in use. Encourage colleagues to follow suit and implement energy-saving measures within the pharmacy. Showcase how minor changes can make a substantial impact in reducing energy consumption.

  1. Digitalisation and Paperless Practices: Lighting the Path to Efficiency

Embrace digital platforms for prescription management and documentation to significantly reduce paper consumption. Transitioning to online systems such as e-scripts and email not only enhances efficiency but also demonstrates how individual pharmacists actively contribute to a more sustainable future, one digital record at a time.

  1. Pharmacist and Patient Education: Enlightening Minds for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Engage in ongoing education to stay informed about environmentally friendly practices within the pharmaceutical field. Become a catalyst for change by sharing this knowledge with patients, colleagues, and the community. Each pharmacist, through collective efforts, no matter how small, becomes an integral part of a sustainable healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, this article reinforces that while large pharmaceutical companies lay the groundwork for sustainability, the transformative power to make a difference lies in the hands of individual pharmacists. As Earth Hour beckons a symbolic dimming of lights, let every pharmacist illuminate the path to a greener future. These collective efforts, no matter how small, contribute significantly to environmental stewardship in pharmaceutical care, showcasing the immense impact that individual actions can have on our planet.

Locumate 2.0 Update(Pharmacy Edition)

Posted on | by Bayleigh S
Hey Locumate Community, 

We hope you’re doing well!  

You might have noticed a few changes on the app over the last few days and that’s because we recently released Locumate version 2.0! We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for your patience and support as we’ve been hard at work bringing you these significant updates. 

With any major product release, there may be a few bumps along the road. Your patience and cooperation during this time are invaluable to us. Rest assured; our dedicated team is working diligently to address any issues swiftly. 

So, what can you expect from the latest version of Locumate? 

  1. The ‘First Come, First Served’ vs ‘Apply’ feature: We know that sometimes choosing the right talent for your pharmacy can be challenging. This is why we created the Apply feature to empower you to make informed decisions.  
  • When creating a new job, you can either allow locums to book shifts immediately by choosing ‘First Come, First Served’ or ask for locums to apply for the shift when outside a radius of your choosing.  
  • Once locums apply for the shift, you can review their applications and offer the position to the best candidate. Locums will have 24 hours to accept the offer before you can choose to offer it to someone else.  
create job

2. New text tags on your search window of the app: To give you a quick snapshot of the status of all your shifts, we introduced a colour-coded tagging system as show in the image below. Now you won’t need to click into each shift to get an update. 

vac

3. Flexibility over locums: To give you more control over your locum search, we introduced the Block feature and the Preferred Locum feature. These features give you the ability to categorise your locums. With the Block feature, you can stop a particular locum from viewing or booking shifts at your pharmacy. By making a locum a preferred locum, you can create an exclusive list of locums you know and trust for future shift bookings. But don’t worry, you can reverse this just as easily. This can be done at the time of timesheet approval, feedback provision and via the locum’s profile.  

 

We really hope these updates make your Locumate experience even better! And your feedback is always welcome so please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions or suggestions.  

Thank you again for your patience, support and for being part of the Locumate Family!  

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

How Locumate’s Seamless Communication Features Enhance Pharmacy Operations

Posted on | by Locumate

In today’s fast-paced healthcare industry, effective communication is paramount for ensuring optimal patient care and streamlining day-to-day operations. For pharmacies seeking to maintain efficiency and provide consistent services, Locumate emerges as a game-changer. Our platform goes beyond mere locum staffing solutions; it offers a comprehensive suite of seamless communication features designed to connect pharmacists and pharmacies effortlessly. In this article, we will explore how Locumate’s seamless communication features elevate pharmacy operations and create a harmonious work environment for all stakeholders.

Instant Messaging for Real-Time Updates

Locumate’s real-time messaging system enables direct and instant communication between pharmacies and locum pharmacists. Gone are the days of playing phone tag or waiting for email responses. Pharmacists can share updates on their availability, schedule changes, and query pharmacies about shift details. Similarly, pharmacies can quickly reach out to locums for urgent assignments or to address any unforeseen changes, ensuring a continuous flow of essential information.

Notifications and Reminders

Staying on top of schedules is vital for any pharmacy. Locumate’s built-in notification system acts as a virtual assistant, sending timely reminders to both pharmacists and pharmacies about upcoming shifts and assignments. This feature minimizes the risk of missed shifts and prevents any potential staffing gaps, thus contributing to improved patient care.

Secure and Confidential Communication

Confidentiality is a non-negotiable aspect of healthcare. Locumate prioritises the privacy and security of all communication exchanged on the platform. Both pharmacies and locum pharmacists can rest assured that their conversations remain protected and exclusive to the relevant parties. 

Feedback and Ratings

Effective communication is a two-way street, and Locumate acknowledges the value of constructive feedback. After each assignment, pharmacies can provide ratings and reviews for locum pharmacists, offering valuable insights into their performance. Conversely, locum pharmacists can share their feedback on their experience with the pharmacy, helping both parties to improve and grow.

Centralised Communication Hub

Locumate acts as a centralised communication hub, making it easy for pharmacies to access and manage all communication related to locum staffing. There’s no need to juggle between various platforms or channels; everything is consolidated on Locumate, leading to increased efficiency and time savings.

In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, pharmacies need efficient solutions to connect with locum pharmacists and maintain smooth operations. Locumate’s seamless communication features are designed to meet these needs and go beyond, creating a dynamic ecosystem where pharmacies and locum pharmacists can interact effortlessly. By leveraging real-time messaging, secure document sharing, notifications, and feedback systems, Locumate enhances the way pharmacies communicate with their locum workforce, leading to optimised staff scheduling, improved patient care, and an overall sense of partnership and collaboration.