Locum Doctor Trends in Ireland 2026: What to Expect

Ireland’s healthcare landscape is continuing its rapid transformation and 2026 is shaping up to be a year of major change for locum doctors. With new technologies entering mainstream use, shifting patient demands and growing pressures on staffing, locum professionals will play an even more vital role in keeping services running smoothly.

Whether you’re already working as a locum or considering making the shift in 2026, here’s what to expect.

 

1. More Competitive Rates and Flexible Contract Models

 

The shortage of medical professionals remains a key issue across Ireland and 2026 is seeing further competition among hospitals, GP practices and private clinics to secure locum cover.

Doctors can expect enhanced hourly rates and more facilities are now offering flexible contract models, such as hybrid on-site/remote arrangements, weekend-only shifts and short-term micro-placements.

Rural hospitals are continuing to increase financial incentives to attract locums, with some expanding accommodation support, travel packages, “stay-on” bonuses and family relocation assistance.

 

2. Surge in Demand for Sub-Specialty Locums

 

With Ireland’s chronic disease burden increasing year-on-year, 2026 is seeing a major rise in requests for sub-specialty cover, especially in:

• Geriatric medicine
• Psychiatry and child mental health
• Emergency medicine
• Endocrinology and diabetes care
• Paediatric acute services

The expansion of community-based care models means locums with specialised expertise are now being placed not only in hospitals, but also in integrated care hubs, rapid-access clinics and home-care support services.

 

3. AI-Supported Clinical Workflows Becoming Routine

 

What was once an emerging technology is now a daily tool. In 2026, AI integration in Irish healthcare has moved well beyond diagnostics support. Locum doctors can expect to encounter:

• AI-powered triage and patient-prioritisation systems
• Automated clinical documentation tools
• Predictive analytics for patient deterioration
• Digital assistants for guideline and drug-interaction queries

As adoption accelerates, onboarding processes for locums increasingly include AI competency modules, ensuring safe and ethical use of these technologies.

 

4. Telemedicine Expanding into Hybrid Care Models

 

Telemedicine is no longer just video consultations. In 2026, many Irish healthcare providers are rolling out hybrid care pathways, combining virtual appointments with in-person follow-ups. Locum doctors may find themselves:

• Managing remote monitoring data for chronic conditions
• Conducting virtual triage before clinic days
• Providing remote GP cover for out-of-hours services
• Supporting rural practices through telehealth partnerships

For doctors, this means more remote working options and greater flexibility in how clinical hours are structured.

 

5. Stronger Focus on Wellbeing and Burnout Prevention

 

Awareness of clinician burnout continues to shape working patterns. In 2026, employers are taking a more proactive stance, with initiatives such as:

• Built-in recovery days for longer locum contracts
• Access to mental health and counselling support
• Greater autonomy over scheduling
• Digital wellbeing check-ins

These measures are making locum work an attractive long-term career route for doctors who want control over their workload without sacrificing financial stability.

 

6. Faster, More Streamlined Registration for Overseas Doctors

 

Ireland’s medical workforce still depends heavily on international recruitment and in 2026 the Irish Medical Council is rolling out further improvements to streamline:

• Recognition of international qualifications
• Turnaround times for document checks
• Digital verification systems
• Standardised requirements for locum placements

These changes aim to reduce administrative delays, helping overseas doctors start locum assignments more quickly while boosting staffing levels nationwide.

 

7. Continued Efforts to Strengthen Rural and Remote Care

 

Rural healthcare remains under pressure, but 2026 brings new government-backed initiatives including:

• Expanded funding for rural urgent-care services
• Improved accommodation options for rotating locums
• Enhanced telehealth infrastructure for remote communities
• Specialist relief teams for high-pressure periods

Locum doctors will remain crucial to ensuring consistent care across underserved regions, with new incentives making these placements more appealing.

 

8. Career Diversification Through Portfolio Working

 

Portfolio careers are now a well-established trend among doctors in Ireland. In 2026, more locums are using the flexibility of temporary work to build mixed professional portfolios combining:

• Clinical work
• Medical education
• Research projects
• Telehealth roles
• Healthcare consulting
• Digital health innovation

Locum work provides a platform for gaining broad experience and shaping a career path that suits individual interests and long-term goals.

 

Looking Ahead

 

From technological innovation to evolving patient needs, 2026 is set to bring significant change to the locum landscape. For doctors seeking flexibility, variety and professional development, the year ahead offers exceptional opportunities.

If you’re planning to explore new locum roles in 2026, Locum Express is here to help you navigate every step from finding the right placements to supporting you through registration and onboarding.

 

If you're ready to explore locum opportunities in 2026, Locum Express is here to guide you every step of the way. From finding the perfect assignment to navigating licensing requirements, we’re committed to supporting your journey as a locum doctor in Ireland.