Estimated reading time at 200 wpm: 11 minutes

I was recently asked a very good question by KJ, “Hi, can I ask where you stay when you are working out of area? I’m considering my options and whether rental would be good? Your thoughts would be helpful.” See also “You are the boss” because this outlines many of the adaptations I have ma

KJ asked a great question, as accommodation is a big issue that many locum professionals grapple with! As a locum doctor working across the UK, finding suitable accommodation is definitely a key consideration. But what does ‘suitable’ mean? This article will explore the issues and uncover that accommodation is not just a bed and a roof over the head – which could be an airbed and tent in a field somewhere. That wouldn’t be suitable at all! Obviously not every locum needs accommodation but for those that do, this article could assist.

Locum agencies and prospective employers should consider these matters. Why? Read on.

Table of Contents

• Where to stay and accommodation contracts
• Associated matters
  • I. Practical & Logistical Considerations:
  • II. Well-being & Lifestyle Factors:
• The ‘Accommodation Roulette’
• Conclusion

Where to stay and accommodation contracts

Here are my thoughts, based on experience, about navigating where to stay when working out of area:

1. It’s essential to acknowledge the nature of locum contracts in the UK. While assignments can range from a month to six months, the reality is that these can often be terminated with as little as one week’s notice. This inherent instability makes committing to a traditional rental agreement a significant financial risk. Being locked into a six-month lease only to have the contract end prematurely could lead to substantial and unavoidable rental costs.
2. In avoiding complications above, living out of a car boot and suitcases and having to resort to microwaved meals, KFC and other fast food – becomes difficult things and needs consideration in terms of sustainability. In other words, accommodation ought not to be taken in isolation i.e. roof over head and bed to sleep in. [This will be expanded on below].
3. One week’s notice either way is good because as a locum one cannot know if the job will be crap – which usually takes about two weeks to be realised. This has worked to my advantage because I have had to terminate two jobs rather suddenly when I was expected to act in long-standing illegal ways. In another job I suffered an acute attack of haemorrhoids – with profuse bleeding – three weeks into a job, due to severe stress (having not had that problem for 15 years previously). Coincidence some will say. ‘Some’ know nothing of what happened or the sequence that led to my suffering and my conclusion. That job was terminated after four weeks. My attack of haemorrhoids disappeared without needing more than over-the-counter treatment – and has never returned since!

Given the risks of swift termination, my current strategy revolves around flexibility and limiting potential losses. For the initial period of a new locum contract, I primarily utilise short-term accommodation options that don’t require long-term commitments. These include:

1. Hotels: While potentially the most expensive option for longer durations, hotels offer ease of booking and no contractual obligations. They are particularly useful for the very first few nights in a new location, allowing time to explore other options.
2. Airbnb and Booking.com: These platforms provide a wide array of apartments, rooms, and houses available for short-term lets. The key advantage here is the ability to book for a few weeks at a time, offering more space and often better value than a hotel for slightly longer stays. I prioritize listings with flexible cancellation policies, even if they cost a little more, to mitigate the risk of contract termination.
3. Private Bookings: Sometimes, local landlords or individuals offer rooms or small properties for short-term let outside of the main platforms. These can sometimes be found through local contacts or online forums and can offer a more cost-effective solution than hotels or standard Airbnb listings. Again, the focus is on avoiding lengthy contracts.

Once I’ve settled into a locum role and have a reasonable degree of confidence that the contract will continue beyond the initial few weeks, I then explore the possibility of hospital accommodation. Historically, securing hospital accommodation quickly has been the exception rather than the rule in my experience (perhaps happening in only one out of around fifty placements). It often takes time for availability to arise and for the necessary administrative processes to be completed. However, if it becomes available, hospital accommodation can be a very convenient and cost-effective option for the duration of the contract.

Associated matters

Accommodation for a locum professional goes far beyond just a roof over your head. It significantly impacts your overall well-being, performance, and even your ability to enjoy your time off. Here’s a list of other crucial factors associated with accommodation for medical locums, drawing from my own experiences:

I. Practical & Logistical Considerations:

• Commute Time and Transport:
  • Proximity to work: How far is the accommodation from the hospital/workplace?
  • Public transport links: Are there reliable buses, trains, or tubes if you don’t drive or prefer not to?
  • Parking: If driving, is secure parking available at the accommodation and at work?
  • Traffic: What’s the typical rush-hour traffic like to and from the workplace?
  • Night shifts: How safe and easy is it to commute during unsociable hours?
• Cost vs value:
  • Budgeting: How does the accommodation cost fit into your overall income and expenses?
  • Included utilities: Are electricity, gas, water, and internet included or extra?
  • Hidden costs: Are there cleaning fees, service charges, or other unexpected expenses?
  • Value for money: Does the price reflect the quality, amenities, and location?
• Safety and Security:
  • Neighbourhood: Is the area generally safe? Are there any specific concerns (e.g., crime rates)?
  • Building security: Are there secure entry systems, good locks, and lighting?
  • Personal safety: Do you feel safe walking to and from the accommodation, especially at night?
• Laundry Facilities:
  • On-site v laundromat: Is there a washing machine and dryer available, or will you need to use a local laundromat?
  • Cost of laundry: If using a laundromat, factor in the time and expense.
• Cleaning and Maintenance:
  • Frequency of cleaning: If it’s a serviced apartment/hotel, how often is it cleaned?
  • Responsibility for cleaning: If it’s a self-catered rental, are you expected to clean it yourself, or is there a cleaning service?
  • Maintenance issues: How are repairs or problems addressed (e.g., heating not working, leaky tap, or blocked toilet.)?
• Storage Space:
  • Luggage: Is there adequate space for your belongings, especially if you’re bringing several bags for a longer stay?
  • Work essentials: Space for medical books, equipment, etc.

II. Well-being & Lifestyle Factors:

• Food and Cooking Facilities:
  • Kitchen access: Is there a functional kitchen with necessary appliances (hob, oven, microwave, fridge)?
  • Utensils and crockery: Are basic cooking and eating implements provided?
  • Proximity to supermarkets: Are there grocery stores nearby for easy food shopping?
  • Dietary needs: Ability to prepare healthy meals to sustain long shifts.
  • Restaurant/takeaway options: Are there convenient and affordable dining options nearby for when you don’t want to cook?
• Quality of Sleep:
  • Comfortable bed: A good mattress and comfortable bedding are paramount for recovery.
  • Noise levels: Is the area quiet, or is there significant street noise, neighbours, or traffic that could disrupt sleep?
  • Light control: Are the curtains or blinds effective at blocking out light, especially crucial for day sleepers after night shifts?
  • Temperature control: Is there adequate heating/cooling to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment?
• Connectivity and Technology:
  • Reliable Wi-Fi: Essential for staying connected, with friends and associates across the miles, working remotely, and leisure.
  • Phone signal: Good mobile phone reception in the accommodation.
  • Power outlets: Sufficient and conveniently located power points for charging devices.
• Social Life and Mental Well-being:
  • Opportunities for social interaction:
    • Are there common areas in shared accommodation? But not everyone wants to rub elbows with people moving in and out of a B&B. This could be a pain if the wrong sort of people share accommodation.
    • Proximity to social hubs (cafes, pubs, parks)?
    • Ease of connecting with colleagues or making new friends in the area.
  • Personal space/privacy: Is there enough personal space to relax and decompress after demanding shifts?
  • Feeling of “home”: Does the accommodation feel comfortable and welcoming, rather than just a temporary stop?
• Recreational Facilities/Proximity to Amenities:
  • Gyms/fitness centers: Are there options for exercise nearby?
  • Green spaces/parks: Opportunities for outdoor relaxation.
  • Shops and services: Proximity to pharmacies, post offices, dry cleaners, etc.
  • Entertainment: Access to cinemas, theatres, museums, or other leisure activities.

The ‘Accommodation Roulette’

An often frustrating reality of locum work is the frequent necessity of moving between different accommodations, even when staying in the same general area. It’s not uncommon to secure a placement for several weeks or months, only to find you can’t get more than a week or two, sometimes even just a few nights, in a single accommodation at one location.

This fragmented availability adds multiple layers of complexity and stress to an already demanding profession. The reasons for this often include:

• Pre-existing bookings: Short-term rental platforms and private bookings frequently have a patchwork of reservations, meaning continuous blocks of time are rarely available.
• Dynamic pricing: Prices can fluctuate wildly based on demand, local events, or even the day of the week, often forcing a move to a more affordable option.
• Provider policies: Some accommodations have strict minimum or maximum stay rules.
• Hospital accommodation delays: Even when hospital accommodation is eventually secured, it might not be immediately available or is sometimes offered in shorter, renewable chunks, preventing a seamless transition.

This constant churn directly impacts many of the well-being and practical considerations mentioned above.

• Increased Logistical Burden:
  • Packing and unpacking fatigue: The endless cycle of packing, moving, and unpacking bags is physically and mentally exhausting. Your “home” never truly feels settled.
  • Finding and booking: Constant searching for the next place consumes valuable time and energy, often after long shifts.
  • Key collection/return: Each move involves new arrangements for keys, check-in, and check-out.
  • Luggage management: Where do you store your belongings between moves if there’s a gap? Do you need to pay for storage? What if the next place is smaller?
• Disrupted routine and well-being:
  • Food and Cooking: Adapting to a new kitchen setup (or lack thereof) every few days makes consistent healthy eating incredibly challenging. You might resort to more takeaways, impacting diet and budget.
  • Quality of sleep: Each new bed, new room layout, and different ambient noises can reset your sleep adaptation process. Just as you get used to one place, you’re off to another. Blackout curtains or quiet surroundings may be fleeting luxuries.
  • Sense of stability: The lack of a consistent base can create a pervasive feeling of rootlessness and instability, making it harder to relax and decompress.
  • Impact on downtime: Time that could be spent on leisure or professional development is instead consumed by logistical planning and moving.
• Financial Implications:
  • Multiple booking fees/cleaning Charges: Each new booking on platforms like Airbnb often incurs fresh service fees and cleaning charges, significantly increasing the overall cost compared to a single, longer stay.
  • Less favorable rates: Booking multiple short stays often means you don’t benefit from weekly or monthly discounts that longer-term bookings offer.
  • Unexpected costs: For example, transport costs between accommodations, or the need to buy basic supplies (e.g., salt, pepper, oil, washing up liquid) repeatedly.

This constant “accommodation roulette” is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of locum life, often underestimated by those outside the profession or those in substantive posts. It requires a significant degree of resilience, meticulous planning, and a willingness to adapt, even when exhausted. While unavoidable at times, proactive strategies to minimise its frequency and impact are essential for locum well-being.

Conclusion

In summary, while the stability and space of a rental property might seem appealing, the unpredictable nature of locum contracts in the UK makes it a financially risky initial choice. Opting for flexible, short-term solutions like hotels, Airbnb, and private bookings in the initial weeks provides a safety net. Exploring hospital accommodation becomes a viable option once the contract appears more stable. This approach allows for adaptability and minimises potential financial losses associated with early contract termination.

Living away from home is not simply about a bed to sleep in. Several lifestyle factors become important.

Locum agencies and employers are often oblivious to the above matters. Some don’t see any of this as their business, which is terribly myopic. How? It’s in both of their interests to keep a locum for long enough to do meaningful work. It’s in their business interests that their locum is in good shape from day to day to deliver quality and value for money.