EBME Forums Forums Management Recruitment Agency Staff

I may have a temporary 12 month vacancy coming up. Can anyone recommend a good agency where I can get an experienced medical equipment technician?

The two mentioned here are the favourites.

But they can only send along techs who are available. To be honest, the Agencies may not be too bothered about "quality", as they are interested primarily in their "cut".

There are other ways of finding technicians willing to undertake temporary placements.

Like spelling out your requirements right here, for example.

In the event that you find someone who fits the bill, they can always work through an Agent of their choice (for purposes of billing, and payment etc.).

I wouldn’t bother with Agency unless you want to end up paying £20 - £25 per hour.

Try some of the self employed Biomeds; in fact better still advertise the post on this forum. Experience dictates that if you can, cut out the middle man, (who doesn’t do a great deal after introductions), but top slices the wages you pay by up to 40% in some cases. Also if you decide to retain the employee, they expect a hefty fee.

Hey, Sean ... we're in agreement!

And I write as one who has worked as an Agency Technician, as you probably know.

But I'm sure that Big Tony (the Banned One) - who surely must be the Most Experienced Agency Biomed the World Has Ever Known - could elaborate further (if only be was allowed to toss in his tuppence worth).

To be fair, they (the agents) act as Banker.

That is, the tech gets his wages paid weekly, whilst the agent may have to wait months for the Trust to cough up!

They also provide insurance cover (I believe - or hope)!

Does your hospital have a staff bank?
We have employed people on a temporary basis by that route, they have a contract with the bank and then we can just say to the bank we want them or not, almost on a day by day basis and you can easily get rid of unsuitable people as well. It is easier that having someone on a short term contract and cheaper than a standard agency.
The down side is you have to find the person yourself. But you have almost started that already by posting here.
RoJo

Yes, that's certainly an option. It was looked at by one of the nicer hospitals where I was lucky enough to get a "booking" some time ago, but was not pursued at the time. It came under the "too difficult" category for Human Resources (so-called), for some reason.

Hospital Staff Banks (and, indeed, Agencies) are really geared more to nursing staff. And there's the rub:- lot's of agency nurses, but very few agency biomeds. Bank Staff will cost more as well (and quite rightly so), if they are on a per diem.

The other point worth mentioning is having techs on a day-to-day basis will generally end up with the guy heading off elsewhere as soon as something more appealing pops up! Contrary to the expectations of some folk, agency techs are not usually to be found hanging around on street corners early in the morning, looking to be hired by the day!

You certainly need to be "nice" to good staff and make them feel secure and wanted as the flip side of the coin is that the person can also say goodbye with minimal notice.
You will probably not find ready made tech staff on the bank but if you find one you can suggest they join as a route of employment. It is not too hard to do (or rather should not be) for HR after all that is their job.
RoJo

Thanks for the help and advice everyone. Some good ideas. Will let you know how I get on.