Written by Dr Seah, a locum doctor who built Locum Radar for other locum healthcare professionals. Last updated 30 September 2026.
To fill a last-minute locum session, put every detail of the session in one clear message, share it with as many suitable locums as possible at once, and use a route where locums can see the slot and book it themselves. The less that depends on someone replying, the faster the slot fills.
What should you do when a clinic slot is suddenly empty?
- Write down the session. Date, start and finish times, address, role needed, expected patient load and the on-site contact.
- Say what you are offering. State the rate and when payment is made, so nobody needs to ask.
- Share it widely, in one go. Post it wherever locums will see it rather than messaging one person at a time.
- Let locums book directly. Every reply that has to pass through an admin costs time.
- Confirm and close the loop. Tell the locum, and mark the slot as filled so others stop asking.
- Send a short handover. Directions, system login, emergency process and who to call.
What should you have ready in advance?
Keep a one-page “locum pack” so a last-minute session takes minutes to set up rather than an hour.
- Clinic address, opening hours and how to get there
- System login steps and where to find key items
- The emergency process and referral routes
- A named contact on site
- Your standard rate and payment terms
What slows down last-minute cover?
- Half-written requests. “Anyone free tomorrow?” starts a chain of questions.
- One-by-one messaging. It takes longer than posting once.
- Manual confirmation. Someone has to read every reply, choose and reply back.
- No clear filled status. Other locums keep asking about a slot that has gone.
How does Locum Radar help with last-minute cover?
Locum Radar is not a typical recruitment agency. There is no human middleman, so we show you matches immediately, and more than 200 verified locums are onboarded and waiting to fulfil your next shift. Locums book directly, so you do not need to reply to each one. We also handle invoicing, payslips and session tracking afterwards. Tell us about your session through the contact form, WhatsApp us on +65 8023 5014 or email locumradar@gmail.com. We reply within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice does a clinic need to give? As much as possible, but last-minute sessions can still be filled if the details are clear and locums can book straight away.
Should we offer more to fill a session at short notice? That is your decision. Whatever you offer, state it in the request so locums can decide quickly.
Can Locum Radar find nurses and clinic assistants at short notice too? Yes. We cover doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and clinic assistants.
Locum looking for sessions? Open @locumradar_bot on Telegram.