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Day in The Life of Hasini

Posted on | by Locumate

8:00am – Morning routine 

I like to kick off the day with a big cup of tea and a slice of toast with a runny egg. I spend some time catching up on a book and really try to be present in these first few moments of quiet in the morning. I feel it sets the tone for my workday and gets me into the right headspace. Before I jump into work, I create a to-do list that summarises my non-negotiable outputs for the day, and I make sure to schedule in some time for a break.  

9:00am – Emails and Co-founder sync

Then onto my inbox. I block out time first thing in the morning to check these in case there are any urgent requests or actions to address. Once that’s done, I start prepping for my check-in with the co-founder. I really look forward to these sessions as they only come around once a week and he always has a multitude of enthralling updates to share; a new customer we acquired, an exciting new feature we designed or a big bug we caught just in time. I also take this hour to get the co-founder’s feedback and advice on some of my work. We realign on priorities and talk about required outputs for the week ahead. 

10:30am – Deep work 

After my check-in, I’m ready to enter into deep work mode. I chuck on my favourite drum and bass playlist and get stuck in. As I am still fairly new to my role, I’m still becoming familiar with our users and the full functionality of our product. I spend some time reviewing the product backlog to give me an idea of what’s in the pipeline and start playing around with the demo version of the product to get familiar with what our users experience. I also work on some upgrades to our website including the FAQs section as well as our educational platform. 

1pm – Lunch time 

I take at least 30 minutes for lunch so that I can reset for the afternoon. I try to avoid screens and make sure I go for a quick walk outside. 

2pm – New product development 

The afternoon continues with a special focus on a new product in the pipeline called PartnerMate. I’ve been tasked with reviewing version 1 of the product and identifying where and how the user interface needs to change based on the needs of our users. This is my favourite thing to do because I get to be creative and step into the shoes of my users to ensure we design something that is truly customer centric. 

5pm – Winding down 

I clock off at around 5 pm and drag myself to the gym (if I feel up for it). Once I’m back, I’ll cook dinner with my partner or head out for something special with friends. I conclude the day with some reading or a board game, and of course some skincare. 

Working at a start-up requires you to wear many hats in a day. At Locumate, every day is certainly a mix of chaos and excitement. I love this role and always look forward to the challenge of a brand-new day.  

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.

Harnessing the Power of Community: How It Boosts Work Performance

Posted on | by Locumate

When Locumate first came to fruition, our biggest focus was on building a community for our locums. When previously they had no support or group they belonged to, locums felt isolated and unappreciated for their efforts, especially during the pandemic. It was essential throughout the Locumate journey, that we create this community that had been lacking for too long in the industry. After all, communities bring people together, foster collaboration, and create a sense of belonging. A strong community can enhance work performance and contribute to individual and organisational success. So what are some ways in which communities provide the greatest benefits? See below!

  • Support and Motivation

Being part of a community provides individuals with a support system that can positively influence their work performance. When faced with challenges or setbacks, having a community to lean on can provide encouragement, guidance, and motivation. The support and motivation received from a community can inspire individuals to push beyond their limits, leading to improved work performance.

  • Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

When individuals come together, they bring a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. By tapping into this collective intelligence, community members can exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from one another. Collaboration within a community not only expands individual knowledge but also enhances problem-solving abilities and boosts work performance. 

  • Continuous Learning and Development

Within a community, individuals can participate in workshops, seminars, webinars, and other educational activities that enhance their professional growth. Engaging in continuous learning allows individuals to stay updated with industry trends, acquire new skills, and expand their knowledge base. The access to valuable resources and the opportunity to learn from experts in the field can significantly impact work performance. By staying abreast of the latest developments and honing their skills, community members become more effective and efficient in their work.

  • Networking and Career Advancement

Communities serve as a networking platform that opens doors to new opportunities and career advancement. By connecting with like-minded professionals, individuals can expand their professional network, establish valuable relationships, and access a broader range of job prospects. Networking within a community can lead to mentorship, collaborations, and even referrals for new career opportunities. 

  • Well-being and Work-Life Balance

A sense of community promotes overall well-being and work-life balance. Feeling connected to others and having a support system outside of work positively impacts mental health and reduces stress levels. When individuals have a sense of belonging and connection, they are more likely to bring their whole selves to work, resulting in higher job satisfaction and improved work performance. 

A thriving community has the power to transform work performance by fostering support, collaboration, continuous learning, networking, and overall well-being. Together, we can build strong communities that empower individuals and elevate work performance to new heights.

Boosting Operational Efficiencies with Locumate: A Game-Changer in Healthcare

Posted on | by Locumate

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, ensuring optimal operational efficiency is crucial for delivering quality patient care. One significant challenge faced by pharmacies is managing staffing gaps, particularly in the case of temporary absences, such as vacations, illnesses, or parental leave. Locumate is transforming the way healthcare organisations tackle this issue. By seamlessly connecting pharmacies with qualified pharmacists, Locumate plays a vital role in optimising operations and ensuring uninterrupted care. In this blog post, we will explore how Locumate enhances operational efficiencies within the healthcare industry.

  • Streamlining Staffing Processes

Locumate simplifies and streamlines the process of finding and hiring temporary pharmacists. Traditionally, pharmacies had to rely on lengthy and time-consuming procedures to fill staffing gaps, often resulting in delays and compromised patient care. Locumate acts as a centralised platform that connects pharmacies with a big pool of locums, eliminating the need for extensive recruitment processes. A true marketplace!

  • Increasing Flexibility and Scalability

One of the key advantages of Locumate is its ability to provide pharmacies with increased flexibility and scalability. The platform offers a diverse pool of pharmacists  across various specialties (watch this space!). With Locumate, pharmacies can easily adjust their staffing levels based on fluctuating demand, ensuring that they have the right pharmacists available at all times. This flexibility not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the strain on permanent staff, preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

  • Enhancing Continuity of Care

Maintaining continuity of care is paramount in healthcare. Locumate enables pharmacies to bridge temporary staffing gaps seamlessly, ensuring patients receive uninterrupted care. This continuity reduces the risk of errors, enhances patient satisfaction, and ultimately improves health outcomes.

  • Optimising Cost Management

Effective cost management is a critical aspect of operational efficiency in healthcare. Locumate offers pharmacies a cost-effective solution for managing temporary staffing needs. By eliminating the expenses associated with traditional recruitment methods, such as advertising, agency fees, and extensive background checks, Locumate enables facilities to allocate their resources more efficiently. 

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, operational efficiency is vital for delivering high-quality patient care. Locumate addresses the staffing challenges faced by pharmacies, offering a comprehensive solution to streamline operations, increase flexibility, enhance continuity of care and optimise cost management. As pharmacies  embrace this innovative platform, they can ensure uninterrupted services, improve patient outcomes, and create a positive work environment for their staff. With Locumate, the future of healthcare staffing is undoubtedly more efficient and effective.

A 2021 wrap up

Posted on | by Niamh Foley

There’s no doubt that 2021 has been stressful, confusing, unpredictable and daunting. From mice plagues and football bubbles to vaccinations and a Victorian earthquake, this year might be one we’d all prefer to forget. But there have been some stand out moments for Locumate, for the pharmacy industry, and for our community in general that are worth reflecting on before heading into 2022. 

Lockdowns, social distancing and PPE 

Never have more Australians tuned into daily press conferences by state and territory premiers and health officers. And pharmacies, like many others, had to change the way they worked on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. QR codes, social distancing in stores, and click and collect became a regular part of our vocabulary, and a regular part of how we operated. Throughout lockdowns, pharmacies were deemed an essential service, so remained open, but lockdowns and travel restrictions meant pharmacies might have started serving more customers online. 

Another important factor was – and continues to be – personal protective equipment (PPE). Staff and customers were required to wear PPE throughout 2021, and pharmacies were a large supplier of PPE to Australians, too. From masks and face shields to gloves and hand sanitiser, pharmacists had to work hard – and in different ways – to meet consumer demand. 

Vaccinations 

Another incredibly important call out in 2021 for pharmacies – and for everyone – was of course, vaccinations. With pharmacies authorised to supply and administer COVID-19 vaccinations, pharmacists played a mammoth role in Australia’s vaccination roll out. With booster shots well and truly here, pharmacists will continue to do lots of the vaccination heavy lifting well into 2022. 

Virtual events 

Plenty of pharmacy events this year were all hosted virtually. While this was exciting and again demonstrated our industry’s resilience and willingness to adapt, as a newly launched business, we’re excited to get back to face to face and start meeting our members in person! 

Locumate launch 

I can’t wrap up 2021 without a mention of launching Locumate! In October, we launched a phased roll out of Locumate across Victoria, with the rest of Australia to follow. The launch is a culmination of years of hard work, risks, plenty of sweat, even more tears, and a burning desire to give pharmacists and locums a better way of working. 

There’s no mistaking that 2021 was like no other, but I know that we’re absolutely ready for anything that 2022 throws at us. Bring it on. 

Kavi 

 Find out more at: https://locumate.com.au/