Locum Location Reviews From Our Blugibbon Locum Drs

Why Blugibbon Loves Placing Locum Doctors in Western NSW: A Rewarding Experience in a Vibrant Region

Zoe shared with us, her experience as a locum doctor in Noosa. She worked there for various shifts, during those past months.

5 Blugibbon doctors have spent the last few months in Darwin. By Dr Abi and Dr Jack and Dr Heather, Dr Victoria and Dr Kate WHAT IS THE TEAM LIKE? Everyone is super friendly and approachable. The nurses are fantastic, always on hand to help and they are a good, fun crowd. Additionally, there are many locum doctors around that are keen to go out for drinks or dinner. TELL US ABOUT THE SET-UP OF THE HOSPITAL AND SUPPORT FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN DARWIN? For juniors, you are very clinically supported. There are at least 2 consultants on each shift and are always keen to discuss patients and possible plans. For ED RMOs your shifts are either in Majors, Fast Track, Paeds or Short Stay. There is at least 1 RMO and registrar allocated to each. It is the biggest hospital for a while so it accepts a lot of people from rural communities as well as trauma patients. Advice from most surgical specialities in addition to medical and ICU. WHAT DOES TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION LOOK LIKE FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN DARWIN? Abi and Jack’s travel story: I drove myself from Queensland to get to Darwin. This consisted of very long, straight roads but thankfully a 130km/hr speed limit. Heather, Victoria and Kate’s travel story: We arrived via Howard Springs to quarantine, which was actually so much better than we anticipated. As we travelled together, we were counted as a household unit. This allowed us to interact with each other on our verandas and in our rooms. Accommodation Onsite accommodation is provided by the hospital; it is basic but practical. You have everything you need set up in a studio flat containing a bed, bathroom and kitchenette. Most importantly, you have air conditioning and there is a 25m pool for use only a stone’s throw away. * TIP - bring your own pillow. If you don’t have access to a car we would suggest hiring a bike from Ash’s Bikes and then you can easily get around to the shops etc. ANY LOCAL INSIDE INFORMATION TO SHARE? Our top recommendation would be to spend a few days in Litchfield and Kakadu, see some spectacular waterfalls and even go for a dip to cool off, just watch out for the crocs! You don’t need a 4x4 to get there but some sites are only accessible with one. When at Litchfield, make sure you take a walk between Buley and Florence Falls to find some secluded swimming spots. * TIP - bring a pool noodle for the national parks. Yellow Water Cruises in Kakadu was an amazing experience to see a lot of wildlife. In Darwin, Nightcliff swimming pool was a great place to chill out after work. It’s right on the side of a cliff and looks out over the ocean, perfect for a sunset. TOWN AMENITIES? SHOPS? PeeWees is a top spot for dinner. It has incredible sunset views and delicious local seafood.

If you are looking for your next locum in Western Australia, this edition of Blugibbon Locum locations in Geraldton WA might just help you make the move!

Our Locum Doctor in Launceston Cindy wrote for us an article about her experience in Tasmania. In February this year, I had the good fortune to explore a small part of Tasmania whilst doing some work in Launceston. As usual, Blugibbon was flexible and helpful in the planning stages. Essentially allowing me to turn my locum work into a little holiday. LOGISTICS AND TRAVEL FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN LAUNCESTON I started the trip by flying into Hobart, where I was subjected to the most stringent biosecurity measures I have ever seen. (Yes, I have been to New Zealand) Thanks, COVID. A whirlwind of a weekend followed; fresh seafood, exceptional wine and a hard slog up Mount Wellington where I was rewarded with cloud(!). I rounded it all off with the compulsory trip to Mona, which far exceeded expectations, ending the afternoon with some live music on the Mona lawn. My pro tip would be to take the posh pit on the ferry over to Mona. You are welcomed with a glass of bubbles on the way to the museum, then farewelled with a glass of red on the way home, perfection! I found this car in Mona, I think it is trying to say something about gluttony and excess. Sadly the message got blurred after the second posh pit wine.

Recently one of our adventurous Blugibbon locums, headed off to work for one of our clients on a large offshore construction vessel as a ship doctor. He kindly journaled about the experience and shared his notes with us, so we can let you know more about this unique experience (and perhaps you may head off to a similar assignment through us soon?). GENERAL TOP TIPS Generally, day to day work is very similar and structured. Meal times are essentially fixed, with breakfast served from 5 am and you will be pleased to hear the food is amazing! Accommodation takes the form of a cabin, they are okay and manageable but be prepared to bring some earplugs if possible as the air conditioning can get a little loud. You must bring your own coffee if you are a connoisseur, the default option on-board is not great, and it’s to be expected. The internet can be sketchy but works if you get the Medic cabin, and strangely if you keep the clinic door open it improves the Wi-Fi signal! To make a clear phone call you can use the phone in the Doctor’s office entering a code before you begin. You can also use the designated calling booths and dial 9 before inputting a number the normal way. It pays to be with Telstra as your provider as you can use your mobile phone to make normal calls over Wi-Fi. Bringing extra personal care items is recommended, they have toiletries on board but for that extra comfort, it is worth bringing your own too.

By Dr Elissa WHAT IS THE TEAM LIKE? Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service (aka Mount Gambier Hospital), SA. It’s a small team of very capable and welcoming nurses, doctors and support staff, they made a locum doctor feel at home. Requesting investigations and referring for admissions is a breeze. TELL US ABOUT THE SETUP OF THE HOSPITAL AND SUPPORT FOR A LOCUM DOCTOR IN MOUNT GAMBIER?  There is General Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Paediatrics. Telemedicine is used for Mental Health and Cardiology and the Retrieval Service is just a phone call away. ED (Emergency Department Doctors) cover MET calls (Medical Emergency Teams) and “Code Blacks” on the Wards.

Here are some insights and information from our locum doctors in Horsham. Everything you need to know about the location and what it looks like to be a locum doctor in rural Victoria. ABOUT THE ED TEAM IN HORSHAM  The hospital is Wimmera Base Hospital. The local ED team is incredibly experienced and supportive. That exists in a great, safe place to work.