The locum tends to get a bad rap. Lazy, doesn't turn up on time, only cares about being paid. The truth is, there are good locums out there. While I make no boast to be the crème de la crème, I think in my time as a locum I've become a regular fixture in many of the places I work, so much so that I'm considered a member of staff in all but name. I've made a difference too.
The husband of one of my colleagues - a man undergoing treatment for skin cancer - was complaining of swelling in his leg. Like a lot of men, he shrugged it off. It had been a week before he mentioned it to me. Suspecting it may be a serious problem, perhaps a blood clot, I referred him.
He returned the next day. Turns out it was indeed a blood clot.
I was given a heartfelt thank you. Your average person doesn't always know what to look for and had this gone untreated, it could have been fatal. The gratefulness this man showed really made my day.
So yes, a locum who cares about his/her work can make a difference.
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