Stepping into the world of locum pharmacy offers incredible freedom and variety, but it also demands a unique and robust skillset that goes far beyond what’s taught in university. While your MPharm degree provides the clinical foundation, your success as a locum is determined by a blend of technical proficiency, regulatory diligence, and crucial soft skills.

Your first day as a locum pharmacist is a significant milestone. It's the start of a career defined by flexibility and variety, but stepping into an unfamiliar pharmacy for the first time can feel daunting. The key to a smooth and successful day lies in preparation and knowing what to expect.

The familiar sight of the local high street pharmacy is no longer the only way patients in the UK access their medicines. The rapid rise of online and distance-selling pharmacies (DSPs)—from large national players to specialised digital clinics—is one of the most significant disruptions to the sector in decades. For locum pharmacists, whose careers are built on the day-to-day needs of bricks-and-mortar pharmacies, this digital shift raises a crucial question: is the growth of