What will I be responsible for?
Ask why cover is needed and what the assignment includes. Routine community cover, a day of consultations and work in a specialist team have different requirements. Get the duties and any responsible pharmacist expectations stated clearly.
Distinguish essential skills from preferences. Explain any gap in service experience, prescribing capability or systems knowledge before accepting. The GPhC standards require pharmacists to use their professional knowledge and judgement; that includes recognising when further induction or support is needed.
Who is on the team and what is booked?
Ask which staff will be present, what they do and who can help during busy periods. “Well staffed” gives you less information than a description of the planned team and responsibilities.
Discuss booked consultations, collection peaks, care-home commitments and unfinished work. Prescription numbers give only part of the picture. Ask what should be completed during your shift and how outstanding work will be handed over.
Even at a familiar branch, check for changed systems, premises or services since your last visit.
Can I deliver the services and use the systems?
Get the list of services you would deliver and the preparation, competence and local arrangements each requires. Check the documents for the relevant UK nation; similar service names can have different requirements.
Confirm the PMR product and any separate consultation or NHS systems. Familiarity with the software does not mean your authorised account will be ready. Ask who arranges access and who can resolve a problem before opening.
NHS smartcards and authenticators are personal. Do not agree to use someone else’s credentials if yours are unavailable.
Does the journey work at those hours?
Plan from the full branch address. Check the last part of the journey, parking, access restrictions and the return trip, especially for early starts and late finishes.
Allow time between bookings and other commitments. If a likely late finish creates a conflict, raise it now. Tell the pharmacy about any access or workplace arrangements you need so these can be prepared.
Are the pay and booking terms confirmed?
Read the rate alongside paid hours, breaks, expenses and cancellation terms. Find out who pays you and what records they need. Keep the final confirmation with your diary entry.
An expression of interest is not an accepted booking. If the date, workplace or duties change, get a revised confirmation before treating the change as agreed.
Make the decision
If anything is unresolved, send the outstanding questions together to the booking contact. A return visit may only need a check of what has changed; a new setting will usually need more discussion.
- I can undertake the required duties and services.
- I understand the team, workload and escalation contacts.
- Systems access and induction have been arranged.
- I can complete the journey and hours reliably.
- Pay, expenses and cancellation terms are clear.
- I have a booking confirmation.
Common questions
Should I accept a higher rate in an unfamiliar setting?
Assess suitability and support first. A higher rate does not replace the experience, competence, authorisation or induction the work requires.
What should I ask about a PMR system?
Confirm the product, relevant workflow, your previous experience, the access you will use and the person providing induction or technical help.
What if the duties change after confirmation?
Raise the change before undertaking the additional work. Review suitability, time and any commercial effect, then obtain an updated agreement from the authorised contact.
Sources and further reading
Check the current official documents for the country and service where you will work.
These guides cover general booking and preparation questions. Read our editorial policy. If a detail needs updating, send us a correction.