Everything you’ve ever wondered - answered clearly, with care.
At Prescript, we know that saying yes to a locum placement often comes with a dozen questions.
Can I bring my partner? What’s the accommodation like? How does payment work? Will someone actually be there to help when I arrive?
Whether you’re about to take your very first locum or you’re a seasoned doctor looking for more flexibility, we believe you deserve clear answers and total peace of mind. That’s why we’ve compiled the most common questions doctors ask us - and answered them honestly.
Because locum work should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Can I bring my partner or family on a locum placement?
Yes—and we encourage it.
Locum work isn’t just a professional opportunity; it’s a chance to explore Australia and make memories along the way. Many of our doctors travel with their partners, children - or even their pets. Most placements include self-contained accommodation suitable for a plus-one, and if you're driving or hiring a car, they can usually come along at no extra cost.
Each placement is a little different. There's often more flexibility in private sector roles (like radiology or GP). In public hospitals, especially for junior doctors, accommodation may be more limited and sometimes shared. Travel for partners or family isn’t typically covered, but we’ll always help you understand exactly what’s included and work with you to find a suitable solution.
Do I get a say in where I stay, or is accommodation automatically arranged?
You’ll always have a voice in where you stay - but options can vary.
Most placements include accommodation arranged by the hospital or clinic - often a self-contained apartment or house close to the workplace. If you’re a senior doctor or working in the private sector, you’ll usually have more choice. For junior doctors or those in public health services, options may be more basic or shared.
If you bring a family or have special requests - like pet-friendly housing - we’ll advocate for you wherever possible. And if you’d prefer to source your own accommodation, some roles offer an allowance instead.
Whatever the setup, we’ll always confirm what’s included upfront, so there are no surprises.
What does support look like once I arrive?
It looks like a team that’s already three steps ahead.
Support at Prescript isn’t just lip service—it’s built into every placement. Before you arrive, our logistics team will book your travel, car hire, and accommodation (where included) and send you a personalised Prescript Arrivals Pack with everything you need: where to collect your keys, who to ask for on Day 1, where to park—even where to get a decent coffee.
Every health service is different. Some have set budgets for flights or caps on daily car hire—but we’ll handle all the back-and-forth and ensure you know exactly what’s covered before you accept the role.
Once you're on the ground, your recruiter will stay in touch, checking in and sorting anything that pops up. You’ll never be left to figure things out alone.
How much paperwork do I need to complete before a locum?
We keep it as light as possible—and always guide you through it.
Every health service has its own set of requirements, but with Prescript, you won’t be starting from scratch each time. Our credentialing process is built around our Prescript Quality Standards (PQS) - a framework designed to streamline onboarding and avoid duplication. That means once you’ve completed your initial documentation with us, much of it carries across future placements.
We’ll walk you through each step, clearly explain what’s required (and why), and support you with templates, reminders, and fast responses. If you’ve heard horror stories about paperwork mountains, rest assured - we're here to flatten them.
Do I have to repeat all my paperwork for each new hospital?
Not with us.
Thanks to our PQS framework, a large portion of your documentation stays on file once you're credentialed with Prescript. We securely store and maintain your key documents, so for most future roles, it’s just a matter of a quick refresh or a top-up of any site-specific requirements.
Some health services will still ask for a few additional forms, especially public hospitals with strict compliance standards, but we’ll coordinate those on your behalf and keep things moving.
How do I know what I’ll get paid—and when?
It’s all confirmed upfront, in writing.
No surprises. Every locum booking comes with a detailed confirmation from your Prescript Recruitment Partner that includes your daily or hourly rate, whether super is included, and exactly how payment will work - invoice, payroll, or through our payroll partners.
We’ll also confirm timelines, who’s responsible for what, and what paperwork needs submitting (like timesheets or invoices). We make sure you're set up correctly from the start, so you can focus on the work - not the admin.
Can I invoice as a sole trader or do I need a company structure?
That depends on the health service - but we’ll tell you exactly what’s required.
Some health services accept invoices from sole traders, while others require you to have a Pty Ltd company or trust. There are also differences in how superannuation, tax, and insurance are handled across each structure.
Prescript doesn’t offer financial advice, but we’re experts in helping you understand each client’s expectations and sharing templates, checklists, and examples. If you’re unsure which business setup is right for you, we’ll always suggest speaking with your accountant - but we’ll be by your side to make the admin side as simple as possible.
Ready to locum?
Whether you're looking to locum for a few days or a few months, we’re here to help you do it your way—with clarity, care, and concierge-level support.
If you’d like to explore upcoming opportunities or simply get ‘locum ready,’ we’d love to talk. Reach out to your Prescript Recruitment Partner or contact us at hello@prescript.com.au.
Let’s make your next move a great one - for you, and for the communities that need you.