The regions responsible for paying locum doctors under the new directive from Queensland Health that obligates locums to be paid by a third party, not directly by QHS, (see the document here) seem not to be paying as required under the new policy. You work after hours and get called back, no pay ?? ... the regions concerned appear to be insisting on the old "daily rate for all work" but happy to proceed with the disadvantages imposed on us by the new arrangement.
Have it both ways hey ? if you are locuming in Queensland, watch your back and your purse !
ps ... I actually have my first locum coming up next week under the new system. I am in possession of a signed contract (signed by the district CEO) that states clearly I will be paid call-backs at the rates specified in the QHS policy. I will post here the outcome of whether or not I get paid as they have agreed to.
Update 18th September :
I am uncertain of the circumstances any more than what I have been told by the locum service but it now appears that the two regions in particular who were appearing to be not paying for call-backs will pay. There may also be an issue with locums charging for oncall time as call-back time ... hopefully this teething stupidity settles quickly.
I have also been told that the QHS policy is going to be changed. Bet you they will attempt to remove call back payments all together. Watch this space.
2 comments:
I heard about QLD health going to third party payment for locums a few months ago. I'm not sure why they did it.
I've had to put some pressure on the HR office a few months ago to get my payment straightened out after they screwed up the overall amount, but under the new system, would I have to rely upon the agency to apply pressure?
If I worked for QLD health again as a locums, I would probably ensure that I had a line in my agreement either stating how much I would get paid if called back, or that I would not be available for callback. I would never agree to a daily rate where the hours (including call back) were open-ended with no additional remuneration.
--jofegan
My attitude would be that you are now being employed by the locum service and their third party so any payment issue is now with the locum service. It is then a secondary issue for the lcoum service/third party employer to extract the appropriate monies from Queensland Health. My opinion only and it would be appropriate to chat with your financial advisor about all this. It may well get messy when QHS attempts to change the existing "new" policy to an even "newer" policy no doubt in attempt to keep the area purse-string holders less unhappy.
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