FAQs for Locum Support
Q. What is the Nursing & Allied Health Rural Locum Scheme?
A.The NAHRLS is a component of the Australian Government’s National Health and Hospital Network Reform agenda and aims to remove some of the barriers rural and remote health professionals face in accessing leave.
The NAHRLS will find you and your workplace a suitable locum for the period you are away and cover the associated costs of the locum’s accomodation, travel, meals and daily allowances. Organisations pay the base locum rate.
Q. Who is eligible to receive locum support?
A. The NAHRLS eligibility and selection criteria is outlined on the Eligibility and Selection Process page.
Q. How can I apply for locum support?
A. Eligible health professionals can apply for locum support directly through the NAHRLS website using the Request for Locum Support application form. If you would prefer an application pack emailed or mailed to you directly please fill out the Request a Pack form or call us on freecall 1300 NAHRLS.
Q. When are applications for locum support accepted?
A. Applications from organisations or individuals seeking locum support will be received and considered by the NAHRLS on a regular basis. Short notice requests will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact NAHRLS on freecall 1300 NAHRLS.
Q. How are applications for locum support selected?
A. Locum support will be provided to a range of nurses, midwives and eligible allied health professionals in a variety of settings in rural and remote areas.
Selection criteria is aligned with the aims and objectives of the NAHRLS and includes:
- Eligible professional discipline;
- Geographical isolation
- Professional isolation;
- Need to access leave;
- Benefit to the participant and/or the local community;
- Frequency of previous locum support and feedback concerning previous placements; and
- Other demonstrated need for locum support.
For more information on the NAHRLS selection criteria visit the Eligibility and Selection Process page. More information is also available on the NAHRLS Guidelines page.
Q. Do I require approval from my Manager to request locum support?
A. Yes. Applications for locum support must be supported by a person with authority to approve a locum placement in your service/practice.
Self employed health professionals are eligible to apply and must also authorise the application.
Q. When will I be notified if my Request for Locum Support is successful?
A. You will be notified in writing if your application is successful as soon as possible.
Q. Can individuals and/or organisations apply for locum support?
A. Yes. Individuals can request locum support by completing our online Request for Locum Support form or call freecall 1300 NAHRLS to request an application pack. Applications from individuals for locum support must be supported by a person with authority to approve a locum placement in your service/practice.
Organisations can apply for locum support for their staff by contacting NAHRLS directly on freecall 1300 NAHRLS. Multiple simultaneous locum placements for your staff will be considered.
Q. Can I apply if I'm a sole practitioner or self employed?
A. Yes. Please complete our online application form or freecall 1300 NAHRLS for more information.
