Don’t worry - it happens sometimes, especially for urgent shifts. The good news? When practices follow a few simple steps, 99% of shifts get filled.
Why Some Booking Requests Go Unanswered
The most common reason is sending your request to too few locums or using filters that are too restrictive.
When you limit your reach, you limit your chances.
✅ The 30+ Rule - Your Shortcut to 99% Success
Practices that send booking requests to 30+ locums at once almost always get their shift filled.
The maths is simple: more eyes on your request = faster acceptance.
How to Maximise Your Reach
Avoid Over-Filtering
Only apply essential filters (skills).
Remove unnecessary distance or price restrictions.
For urgent shifts, keep filters broad.
Check Your Filter Settings
Distance: Expand your radius to access more locums.
Price: Increase your maximum rate if possible.
Skills: Select only what’s truly essential for the shift.
Favourites: Great for quality control — but for urgent cover, consider casting a wider net.
Send to All Available Locums
If your search shows 40+ available, send to all — not just a handful.
🔄 What Happens If No One Responds
If no one accepts within 3 hours (or if an accepted locum cancels), our Automated Rebooking kicks in:
Your request is resent automatically.
Your original filters stay in place.
No action is needed from you - but broader filters mean broader rebooking reach.
🚀 What To Do If It’s Still Unfilled
Step 1 — Try Again With Wider Settings
Increase travel distance.
Increase your maximum hourly rate.
Remove non-essential skills.
Send to all available locums.
Step 2 — Contact Our Support Team
We respond in under 2 minutes and can:
Check why your request wasn’t accepted.
Suggest filter adjustments for your area.
Help optimise your booking strategy.
Step 3 — Consider Quick Book
For urgent needs, Quick Book sends your request to the most reliable locums first - in accelerated waves.
📊 The Data
91% acceptance rate with adequate reach.
99% success rate with 30+ locums contacted.
Under 15 minutes average fill time for well-set requests.
💡 Pro Tips
Book early if you can - but urgent cover works too.
Flexible start/end times can help.
Build a Favourites list of 15–30 locums for consistent quality.
Use automated rebooking with broad initial filters for maximum reach.
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
❌ Sending to only 3–5 locums when 30+ are available.
❌ Over-filtering your search.
❌ Giving up after one attempt.
❌ Not contacting support for guidance.
Bottom line:
One unsuccessful attempt doesn’t mean the shift won’t be filled.
With the right approach — and our team ready to help — you can achieve the 99% success rate other practices enjoy.
📞 Need urgent help right now? Just request to speak to a person.
