With more than 40,000 nurse vacancies and mounting patient backlogs, the ability to adapt and respond quickly has become a clinical necessity. Healthcare organisations are increasingly turning to locum staffing models, and for good reason.
This edition explores how trusts, private hospitals, and care groups are using locum cover not only to fill gaps, but to protect patient care, manage costs, and prevent staff burnout.
A mid-sized trust in the North West faced recurring shortfalls in their respiratory and surgical wards, particularly during weekends and school holidays. Gaps often went unfilled until the final 24 hours, stretching permanent staff and increasing clinical risk.
By integrating Cromwell’s responsive locum pool, the trust adopted a forward-planning approach using a rolling six week forecast. Shifts were filled in advance, based on expected demand rather than last-minute panic.
Results:
92% fulfilment of hard to cover shifts
Reduced reallocation of permanent staff due to sickness
Improved staff satisfaction scores and fewer patient incidents
A private provider in Greater London had been relying on several agencies during the winter period. This led to inconsistent pay rates and rising administrative costs.
Cromwell Medical Staffing helped them move to a single agency model with a clear pricing structure and shift incentives for priority areas.
Results:
Cost savings of 18% per rota cycle
More predictable spend and financial planning
Greater consistency in staff quality and compliance
In critical care settings like stroke units and A&E, even a single missed shift can delay discharges or increase the risk of readmission.
A southern trust partnered with Cromwell to establish a standby locum panel of pre-cleared staff ready for short notice deployment.
Results:
No patient delays due to staff shortages across three consecutive quarters
Improved patient flow across frontline services
Strengthened CQC assurance during unplanned inspections
The staffing crisis is ongoing. But how healthcare facilities respond will define outcomes over the months ahead.
Locum staffing is not just an emergency tool. When deployed strategically, it supports safer patient outcomes, stronger workforce resilience, and smarter planning.
At Cromwell, we help healthcare leaders secure flexible, high quality staff — including RGNs, RMNs, and HCAs — exactly when and where they are needed.
