Our booking fee covers far more than simply matching you with a locum. It includes the full service and support we provide to make sure your shift runs smoothly:

• Direct outreach to locums - we don’t just post shifts, we actively contact suitable candidates.

• Written booking confirmations so everything is clear and documented.

• Shift reminder notifications to locums to reduce the risk of no-shows.

• Compliance checks (right-to-work, registrations, qualifications) so you only get fully verified professionals.

• Negotiating rates on your behalf to secure the right candidate.

• Handling cancellations and replacements quickly, should anything change.

• Ongoing support during the booking - if issues arise, our team is available to resolve them immediately.

• Payment support - us handling payroll (upon request)

• Relationship management - we learn your preferences and can arrange repeat bookings with locums you prefer.

In short, the booking fee ensures you’re not just getting a locum, you’re getting a full staffing solution with less admin, more reliability, and complete peace of mind.

We can often arrange same-day locum support for urgent requests. For planned absences, we recommend booking in advance to guarantee availability.

We provide pharmacists, dispensers, and pharmacy technicians across community pharmacies, GP practices, hospitals, prisons, care homes, urgent care, and online providers.

Yes. We supply locums into GP dispensing practices, NHS and private hospitals, prisons, out-of-hours services, care homes, and digital/online pharmacies.

We operate on fair, transparent pricing with a clear booking fee. With our no booking, no fee promise, you only pay when cover is worked.

No. Unlike some agencies that add surcharges for urgent cover, Pharm-Assist keeps things simple and fair. Our booking fee remains the same regardless of urgency - whether you book a locum months in advance or at the last minute.

That means you get peace of mind knowing there are no hidden costs and no surprises on your invoice - just straightforward, reliable cover when you need it.

Absolutely. If both parties agree, we’re happy to arrange repeat bookings so you get consistency and continuity for your patients.

If a locum needs to cancel, our team will immediately reach out to our network to try and source a replacement as quickly as possible. We’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption and keep your pharmacy services running smoothly.

However, while we work hard to fill every gap, we cannot guarantee that a replacement will always be available. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process so you know exactly where things stand.

Booking platforms list your shifts - but at Pharm-Assist, we go much further:

• Active promotion: We don’t just leave your shifts online. We share them through WhatsApp, Facebook, and direct outreach to suitable locums.

• Personal matching: We contact locums individually based on their skills, location, and rate preferences to secure the best fit.

• Shift management: We send reminders, chase confirmations, and handle cancellations or replacements on your behalf.

• Compliance checks: Every locum is fully verified before placement, saving you time and risk.

• Admin support: We manage all the back-and-forth and confirm bookings in writing.

• No booking, no fee: Unlike platforms, you only pay once cover is worked - no wasted spend on unfilled shifts.

With Pharm-Assist, you’re not just getting a team to post shifts online - you’re getting a proactive partner who is dedicated to filling your vacancies.

Yes. We have locums across the UK, including rural and semi-rural locations. If we don’t already have someone nearby, we’ll promote your shift directly to our wider network of locums who frequently ‘stay away’ for work.

Unlike platforms that only list shifts, we actively promote and match your vacancies with suitable locums. With our no booking, no fee model, you only pay for cover once it’s worked - making it cost-effective and risk-free.

Temporary staff give you the flexibility permanent contracts can’t always offer. With locums, you can:

• Cover peaks and gaps - whether it’s annual leave, sickness, or seasonal demand.

• Avoid long-term commitments - no ongoing salary, pension, or employment costs when cover isn’t needed.

• Control your budget - pay only for the hours worked, with no hidden overheads.

• Maintain continuity of service - even at short notice, so patients aren’t left without pharmacy care.

• Test the waters - many clients use locums as a way to find the right fit before offering a permanent role.

• Access specialist skills - bring in locums with experience in areas like hospital, prison, or online pharmacy when you need it.

In short, locums give you flexibility, cost control, and peace of mind - making them the ideal solution when you need reliable cover without a permanent commitment.