Give as much notice as you can, give a real reason, and tell the other side straight away. A late cancellation leaves a hospital short of a doctor, so it should be rare.
A hospital that accepts a locum plans its rota around that doctor. If the doctor cancels close to the start, the hospital may have no time to find cover, and patients are affected.
Tell the other side as early as possible, say why, and offer help where you can, such as a colleague who might be free. Do not simply stop replying.
A hospital may also need to cancel, for example if its own doctor returns early. It should tell the doctor promptly and give a reason, because the doctor has set aside that time.
On Rounds whoever cancels chooses a reason, and the other side is told it. When a doctor cancels, the shift goes back to the board and doctors nearby are told. A doctor who cancels within a few hours of the start has it counted as a late cancellation on their profile.
Every registration checked against NMC records. Zero commission, the hospital pays the doctor directly.
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