top of page
Pharmaseekers Blog
Latest news, blogs and updates from Pharmaseekers for Locum Pharmacists, Dispensers and Technicians. Join the discussion and debate.
Search


The Real Cost of Locum Turnover
When a pharmacy books a different locum every week, the cost isn't always obvious. There's no separate line on an invoice for it. But over time, constantly starting from scratch with unfamiliar cover adds up in ways that are easy to underestimate. The obvious cost: time Every new locum needs a degree of orientation; where things are kept, how the team likes to work, which processes are slightly different from the last pharmacy they covered. A familiar locum skips most of this
Katie Alvers
Sep 22 min read


Why We Don't Charge Locums a Fee
Why We Don't Charge Locums a Fee Locum pharmacists give up a lot for flexibility; predictability, in particular. In return, we think the least an agency can do is make sure that flexibility doesn't come at a cost. That's why we're fee free for Pharmacy Locums. A simple principle Our core service, finding shifts, matching locums with pharmacies, and supporting bookings from start to finish has always been free for locums to use. We're paid by the pharmacies who need cover, not
Katie Alvers
Aug 262 min read


What Really Happens Between Locum Pharmacy Shifts
What Happens Between the Shifts When people think about locum staffing, they usually picture one thing: filling a vacancy. A pharmacy needs cover, a locum is booked, the shift happens. Job done. But a lot of the work that actually makes locum staffing work well happens quietly, in between the shifts themselves. Before a booking is confirmed Long before a locum arrives at a pharmacy, there's a process of checking that the placement is right, confirming availability, making sur
Katie Alvers
Jul 132 min read


How Strong Locum Relationships Benefit Pharmacies Long-Term
Finding locum cover is often driven by an immediate need, whether that's annual leave, sickness, or unexpected increases in demand. While securing cover is the priority, some of the biggest benefits come from the relationships that develop over time between pharmacies and the locums who support them. We've seen first-hand how strong, long-term locum relationships can make a meaningful difference to pharmacy teams, patients, and day-to-day operations. Familiarity Helps Shifts
Katie Alvers
Jun 52 min read


What Pharmacies Really Need From a Locum Agency
Finding locum cover is important but for most pharmacies, it’s only one part of the bigger picture. Daily pharmacy operations are already demanding. Between staffing pressures, increasing service delivery, patient expectations, and ongoing admin, pharmacies need support that makes things easier, not complicated. Over the years, we’ve worked with over 5,800 pharmacy businesses, and while every business is different, the same priorities tend to come up time and time again. So,
Katie Alvers
May 132 min read


What Our Google Reviews Say About Working with Pharmaseekers
When it comes to pharmacy staffing, trust and reliability matter. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to receive a large number of positive Google reviews from both pharmacies and locums. While we’re always grateful for the feedback, we also see it as something more important; an opportunity to reflect on what’s working well and where we can continue to improve. Rather than simply sharing reviews, we wanted to take a step back and look at what they consistently tell us about
Katie Alvers
Apr 13 min read


Streamlining Locum Payments: How Pharmaseekers’ Invoice Upload Tool Supports Pharmacies
Managing locum payments is an important part of running a pharmacy, but it’s also one of the most time‑consuming. With multiple shifts, varying rates, and different invoicing formats, payment queries can quickly become a distraction from patient care. At Pharmaseekers, we’ve always believed that payment processes should support pharmacies, not complicate them. That’s why we introduced our free invoice upload tool, designed to make locum payments clearer, quicker, and more rel
Katie Alvers
Mar 22 min read


A Day in the Life of a Locum Pharmacist: Real Tips That Work
No two days are the same for a locum pharmacist, and that’s part of the appeal. But while every shift is different, successful locums often share similar habits that help their days run smoothly. Here’s a realistic look at A Day in the Life of a Locum Pharmacist, with practical tips gathered from experience in the field. Before the Shift: Preparation Matters The day often starts before you even leave the house: Check the pharmacy address, parking, and start time Review the se
Katie Alvers
Feb 21 min read


Why Flexibility Matters for Pharmacy Staffing in 2026
Pharmacy staffing needs are evolving. Increased service delivery, changing patient expectations, and workforce pressures mean flexibility is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s essential. In 2026, pharmacies need staffing solutions that adapt quickly without unnecessary restrictions. That’s where flexibility truly makes a difference. The Reality of Modern Pharmacy Staffing Unplanned absences, last‑minute demand, and seasonal pressures are part of everyday pharmacy life. Rigid co
Katie Alvers
Jan 91 min read


Happy Holidays for 2025 and Christmas Charity Donation
Our chosen charity for Christmas 2025… Seasons greetings everyone. As you may know by now, each year we look to identify a local cause to donate to . Our business is in Darwen and we like contributing to the local community. This year, we’ve chosen to once again donate to the Blackburn based charity, Nightsafe . "Nightsafe will work with young people who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness and will provide accommodation, day centres with information, advice and guida
Katie Alvers
Dec 16, 20251 min read


Amy’s guide to DBS
What is DBS? The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is a service for employers to help them make safer recruitment decisions by...
Amy Banks
Aug 4, 20254 min read


Streamline Your Locum Payments with Pharmaseekers FREE Invoice Upload Tool
Despairing over misplaced locum invoices? Struggling to decipher handwritten invoices? Invoice data not correlating with the booking...
Katie Alvers
Jul 3, 20252 min read


Partnering with Pharmaseekers; The benefits of avoiding restrictive contracts & subscription fees when sourcing locum pharmacy cover
We want pharmacy business owners to know that you can secure good locums without upfront fees or contracts
Rebecca West
Jun 16, 20252 min read


Smartcard – Cards, Codes and Access
Smartcards; The beginning Having a Smartcard you can freely use in different pharmacies is vital as a locum. The role of a pharmacist is...
Katie Alvers
May 20, 20252 min read


How to get shifts as a locum pharmacist
Embarking on a career as a locum pharmacist offers a myriad of opportunities. You’ve got oodles of flexibility and the prospect of...
Katie Alvers
Apr 15, 20254 min read


What Top Tips Do Locum Pharmacists Have? Insider Advice for Success in the Field
What do I need to know about being a successful locum pharmacist?; this blog is a great source of advice and tips for Locum Pharmacists wanting to know how best to thrive in their field.
Katie Alvers
Mar 25, 20257 min read


Unseen Support: Tools and Resources to Help Pharmacists Manage Their Responsibility
We know that as a pharmacist, you have a great deal of responsibilty on your shoulders. You're mostly dealing with the public face to...
Katie Alvers
Feb 26, 20252 min read


Pharmaseekers App - Make Locum Business Effortless
Did you know that there is a Pharmaseekers App? At Pharmaseekers, we've focused on creating an efficient online dashboard for our users....
Katie Alvers
Dec 4, 20241 min read


Travelling in Adverse Conditions; A locum guide
Wintry weather conditions It's that time of year again...time to start thinking about being prepared for travelling in adverse...
Katie Alvers
Oct 28, 20243 min read


Understanding the Importance of Service Accreditation for Locum Pharmacists: A Guide for Pharmaseekers' Locums
At Pharmaseekers, we like to assist our locums with maximising their booking potential. We do our best to ensure our locums are aware of...
Katie Alvers
Aug 31, 20242 min read
bottom of page