Future of Specialty Locum Roles: Spotlights on ICU, ED & Elder Care in Ireland

As Ireland’s healthcare system adapts to an ageing population and increasing service demands, one trend stands out: the rising need for specialty locum roles. While general practice remains a key area, sectors such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Emergency Departments (EDs), and elder care are seeing a sharp uptick in locum doctor demand.

This shift presents new opportunities for locum doctors looking to diversify or specialise. Whether you're newly qualified, returning to Ireland, or an experienced consultant exploring flexible options.

ICU Locum Roles: High-Stakes, High Demand

ICU units across Ireland continue to experience staffing pressures, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent consultant shortages. The HSE's 2023 Annual Report highlighted that ICU capacity remains a strategic focus, especially in urban centres like Dublin, Cork and Limerick where patient acuity is highest.

For locum doctors, this translates into:

• High-volume short-term placements, especially during winter surges.
• Attractive pay scales reflecting the critical nature of care.
• Opportunities for doctors with anaesthetics, respiratory or critical care backgrounds.

With new ICU beds being rolled out under Sláintecare’s health system reform, the need for locum cover in these units is expected to remain strong through 2025 and beyond.

Emergency Medicine: Supporting Overstretched A&Es

Ireland’s Emergency Departments are consistently under pressure, with record patient attendances reported by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) in early 2025. EDs in regional and rural hospitals often face the brunt of staffing shortages, making locum support essential to ensure continuity of care.

Locum ED roles are ideal for doctors who thrive in fast-paced environments and are:

• Comfortable with urgent triage and acute patient management.
• Available for out-of-hours or night shifts.
• Interested in roles where every day offers something new.

There’s also increasing reliance on locum doctors to provide roster flexibility, especially during consultant leave periods and rota gaps.

Elder Care: Ireland’s Ageing Population Creates Long-Term Need

By 2040, over 20% of Ireland’s population will be aged 65 or older. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the Department of Health, this demographic shift is already straining elder care services in hospitals, residential care and community health.

This opens the door for:

• Geriatric locum roles in hospitals, focused on chronic disease management and discharge planning.
• Community-based locum work including home visits and care planning.
• Hybrid roles supporting transitional care and step-down units.

Doctors with experience in internal medicine, rehabilitation, or palliative care are especially well-suited for these emerging opportunities.

What This Means for Locum Doctors

If you’re a locum doctor looking to plan your next move in Ireland, specialty roles offer a chance to upskill, increase your earning potential, and contribute meaningfully in high-impact settings.

Consider:

• Gaining relevant CPD points or certificates in critical care, trauma or geriatric medicine.
• Keeping an eye on HSE priority areas and workforce planning updates.
• Partnering with a recruitment agency like Locum Express, which specialises in matching doctors to niche roles across Ireland.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s responding to trauma in the ED, stabilising patients in ICU, or supporting older adults in transitional care, specialty locum roles are a growing and rewarding avenue for doctors in Ireland. As healthcare continues to evolve, those who adapt their skills and explore new specialties will be well-positioned to thrive.

Get in touch with our dedicated team as we nurture a community in which locums can flourish and extend exceptional care to their patients. For more information on any of our roles contact a member of our Locum Express team on +353 (0)21 4297901 or email us at info@locumexpress.ie. You can also register online here.