What If Recruitment Felt Less Like a Transaction and More Like a Partnership?
In primary care, staffing is not just about filling a shift. It is about protecting your patients, supporting your team and keeping your service running safely. So why does recruitment often feel rushed, impersonal and transactional? At Vela Medical Group, we believe it should feel different. When recruitment is based on trust, care and understanding, […]
What Makes a Great Locum in Primary Care?
In primary care, having the right locum in place can make all the difference. While many locums can cover a shift, truly great locums go a step further. They help maintain continuity, lift pressure from the team, and deliver high-quality patient care with confidence. At Vela Medical Group, we specialise in placing trusted, reliable clinicians […]
The Real Cost of a Bad Hire in Primary Care
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 […]
Are You Paying Too Much for Your Locums?
When time is tight and resources are stretched, it is easy to overlook the fine details on an agency invoice. But if you have ever looked at a locum cost and thought it seemed high, you might be right to question it. Many practices are unknowingly paying more than they should for locum cover. Whether […]
What Candidates Really Want from Primary Care Employers in 2025
The world of Primary Care is evolving, and so are the expectations of today’s clinicians. In 2025, attracting top talent is about far more than pay rates. It is about building an environment where people can genuinely thrive. So, what are candidates really looking for? How Vela Medical Group Supports YouAt Vela, we understand what […]
What Makes a Great Locum? (And How Vela Finds Them)
In Primary Care, not every locum is created equal. A great locum does more than just cover shifts. They become a trusted part of the practice, even if only for a short time. They make an impact quickly, bring stability when it is needed most, and leave a positive mark on both teams and patients. […]
Mental Health Support for Primary Care Workers: What Is Available?
Primary Care workers are the backbone of our healthcare system. They are also under more pressure than ever. Long hours, rising patient demand, and emotional strain are taking their toll. Protecting the mental health of Primary Care professionals is no longer a nice to have. It is essential. So, what support is available right now? […]
New NHS Funding Announcements: What It Means for Locums and Practices
The NHS has recently confirmed new funding boosts for Primary Care, and it is big news for both locums and practices. From April 2025, an extra £2.4 billion a year is being channelled into Primary Care Networks (PCNs), aimed at growing the workforce, easing GP workloads, and improving patient access. The main focus is on […]
Tackling DNAs in Primary Care: What’s Working in 2025?
Missed appointments, often referred to as DNAs (Did Not Attend), remain a persistent challenge for GP practices across the UK. With growing patient demand and increasing pressure on clinical time, every unattended slot can have a significant impact on access and service delivery. In 2025, many practices are taking proactive steps to reduce DNAs. One […]
5 Essential Steps for a Successful First Shift as a Paramedic Practitioner in Primary Care
Starting your first shift as a Paramedic Practitioner in primary care is a significant transition. Whether you’re moving from emergency response or stepping into a new locum or permanent role, working in a GP surgery or urgent care centre comes with new challenges and opportunities. At Vela Medical Group, we specialise in placing highly skilled […]