NHS locums occupy a vital position in an ever-changing UK health service. Providing temporary support during times of a shortage in staffing, the nurses and doctors that take on these interim positions allow a degree of flexibility that is essential for the effective management and maintenance of the NHS.

During the winter months, when bad weather and illness can have potentially drastic implications for the provision of healthcare on every level, the demand for locums often increases at short notice. From hospitals through to local GPs' surgeries there is therefore a heightened need for flexible staffing solutions that can be called upon at any time.

To ensure as seamless a transition as possible, the providers of locum support need to offer a consistent high quality service that healthcare organisations can depend on, come rain, shine, sleet or snow. These recruitment specialists need to have an in-depth knowledge of the sectors in which they are operating, in addition to an understanding of each individual organisation's specific healthcare needs.

Whether it be swine flu or a snowstorm that has resulted in a hospital or surgery requiring temporary staff to boost resources or fill gaps, it is vital that the right people with the right expertise are sourced as quickly as possible. By investing heavily in screening and ensuring that all locum applicants are closely monitored, healthcare recruitment specialists can do just that by making sure that each opportunity is matched to those temporary doctors and nurses with the necessary skills, qualifications, and personal qualities.

As the UK counts the cost of one of the harshest winters on record, the increased need for high quality locum doctors and nurses has been made even more apparent. While healthcare organisations have to deal with factors beyond their control, the impact of sudden gaps in staffing can be lessened by having access to a well-trained temporary workforce. Flexible staffing solutions are available - it is just a case of knowing who to turn to, whatever the weather.