Locum Bureau FAQ's

So you want to work as a locum in Auckland?

 If you're a current DHB employee wanting extra shifts in the Auckland region, or new to Auckland and looking for some casual shifts, our centralised locum registration service makes it easy for you.

Apply online now!

Why do I need to sign onto the Locum Bureau?

This is so that we are able to notify the appropriate DHB departments to ensure you are paid for your locum shifts. We also issue you with a Casual Employment Agreement specifically to cover you for locum work (even if you are currently employed on a permanent contract and working in another DHB).  Please note – the Locum Bureau Contract is a separate agreement from your Permanent Agreement and thus may require additional paperwork.

What are the prequisites for joining the Locum Bureau?

• Full general scope of practice with MCNZ
• Valid ACLS
• Current indemnity insurance
• Current APC

If I have to renew my APC, ACLS or Indemnity insurance will I be reimbursed?

If you are a Pure Locum – No

How do I apply to the Bureau?

Visit Auckland Doctors and use the online link under job listings

What paperwork must I submit?

 

How many referees do I need?

If you are an internal applicant i.e you are currently working for one of the DHB’s in Auckland we require 1 reference from your most recent Supervisor to contact via email(min. of one month working together).

If you are an external applicant i.e anyone who has come into the region from another part of NZ we require 3 references  from your most recent Supervisor and the previous two Supervisors prior to that.

Do I need an interview?

Due to the recent introduction of the Vulnerable Children Act 2014, the DHBs are required to complete a safety check of all Children's workers, of which a RMO locum is deemed to be.  The interview forms part of this.  However we can complete this quick process over the phone with you and will contact you through the process to do so.

What is the difference between a Locum(LO) and a Pure Locum(PL)?

A Locum is a Registrar/HO already employed by one of the DHB’s in Auckland who picks up  additional Locum shifts over and above their regular job. The income from locum shifts is considered an additional source of income.

A Pure Locum is a Registrar/HO whose locum duties are the only source of income. They have no other source of income.

I have already worked as a Locum and never had problems with getting paid. Why am I being asked to sign onto the Locum bureau now that I want to take shifts at a different DHB?

If you are employed with a specific DHB e.g ADHB and you pick up additional shifts at ADHB your shifts are deemed “additional duties” and therefore you will not be required to sign a Locum contract.

If you subsequently move to CMDHB and want to pick up additional shifts at ADHB you will need to sign up with the Locum bureau as you will be taking shifts outside the DHB where you are currently employed. This is called a Locum shift.

Whilst we use the same payroll forms for the DHB’s every DHB has its own Payroll system and you will need to be created on each Payroll system in order to submit claims for locum shifts.

We do not recommend that you work as a Locum without having signed a contract – you are putting yourself and the DHB at risk in the event of an incident.

So how do I know if I am taking a Locum shift or working additional duties?

Check with your RMO Advisor if uncertain but, the rule of thumb is:

Are you a current employee at that specific DHB?

Yes – additional duties

No – Locum Duties

How do I know if I am signed up at the Locum Bureau?

Check with your RMO Advisor and ask them to check with Payroll or check with the Locum bureau at NoRTH. Do you recall ever having signed a casual offer of employment to Locum?

Why do I have to check with payroll, surely I am already on their records?

If you have not submitted a locum claim to payroll for more than 6 months your Locum payroll profile will be deleted and you have to be created again meaning the Locum bureau will need to re-submit your IR330, Locum Payroll application, RMO Locum Checklist and RMO direct credit authority.

Why do I need to complete another IR330 for tax when I am already an employee on the Payroll?

All locums on contract with the locum bureau should fill out a separate tax form with their locum job paperwork as locum payments are a secondary source of income. The tax code is usually ST but, it helps to check the IR330 form to ascertain your specific secondary income tax code. This is only applicable to Locums and not Pure Locums.

Why is it that I was paid for Locum duties at one DHB but, when I took shifts at another or I returned to the DHB where I worked before to take shift I could not get paid?

The DHB’s have separate payroll systems and you have to ensure that you have an active locum payroll profile for each DHB. Your RMO Advisor or the Locum bureau at NoRTH can help you ascertain this information.

How long does it take to get registered with the Bureau?

Provided you have submitted all the required paperwork it should take about 2 weeks

Why does the Bureau request documents I supplied a long time ago when I first started?

When our data was migrated in 2009 the systems did not store the information for us to access prior to 2009. Historical information has been missed, and we are rectifying this by collecting now during the recruitment process. We understand the frustration involved for all parties, but once collected and stored on file, those specific documents will not be requested again (e.g. certified passport/ certified degree or awarded or conferred transcript).

Can I register to work as a Registrar and a House Officer?

If you are a Registrar you can locum as a House officer or a Registrar however, if you are a House Officer you can only locum as a House Officer.

Why do I get calls for locum shifts then find out later I can’t be paid because I am not on the Bureau.

Please refer above.

If you have any further questions please contact Ashwini Godkhindi (ashwini.godkhindi@nra.health.nz), or 09 631 0707 ext. 39710