In a fast-moving healthcare environment, it is understandable that surgeries want roles filled quickly. But rushing to fill a vacancy or choosing the wrong agency can lead to far more serious and costly issues.
At Vela Medical Group, we work closely with primary care practices to ensure every placement is right. Because when a clinician is not a good fit, the cost goes well beyond just the invoice.
1. Patient Continuity is Disrupted
Primary care relies on consistent relationships. When a clinician does not meet the needs of your surgery, whether due to clinical gaps, poor communication or simply the wrong personality fit, patients feel it.
Continuity of care has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, reduce emergency admissions, and increase patient satisfaction. Any break in that continuity affects trust, delays care and can lead to avoidable risk.
2. Your Team is Put Under Pressure
When a new hire is not working out, it is usually your existing team who feel the impact first.
Other staff may have to step in to fix errors, manage complaints, or cover shifts at short notice. Morale drops, and frustration builds quickly. In high-pressure environments like primary care, this creates avoidable stress and can contribute to burnout.
3. Financial and Compliance Risks Increase
Bad hires are expensive. The direct costs are obvious, such as re-hiring, additional training, or bringing in last-minute locums to cover. But there are also hidden costs, including:
- Time lost during onboarding
- Risk of patient complaints
- Gaps in clinical governance
- Potential indemnity or tax complications
- Regulatory scrutiny if compliance was not handled correctly
According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the cost of a poor hire at mid-level can exceed three times the salary. In clinical roles, the risks are even greater due to safeguarding, skill requirements, and regulatory standards.
4. Why a Slower, Smarter Hire Saves More
Taking more time to get the right fit means better outcomes in the long run. That is why Vela focuses on more than just availability.
We invest time upfront to understand your surgery, your team, and your patients. Our consultants only present clinicians who meet your clinical, cultural and operational needs.
Every placement is:
- Fully compliant and pre-screened
- Matched to your team’s ways of working
- Supported by us from start to finish
We are not here to offer shortcuts. We are here to help you get it right, first time.
Hiring in primary care is not just about who is available. It is about who will work well with your team and deliver the right outcomes for your patients.
At Vela Medical Group, we believe in long-term partnerships built on trust, transparency and quality.
Because in primary care, getting the wrong person in the room is not just inconvenient. It is costly, disruptive and avoidable.
Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs! Click the link below.