Home Visiting
We understand that sometimes it may be difficult for you to come to the surgery for medical care. However, we want to ensure that you receive the best possible care in the most efficient manner. This leaflet provides guidance on when it may be appropriate to request a home visit from a clinician at our practice, and how the process works.
Emergency Situations – Dial 999 Immediately
Chest pain, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness are medical emergencies. Please call 999 without delay for these symptoms.
Definition of Housebound
You may be considered housebound if you are confined to one room in your home due to illness and often require multiple daily visits from carers.
Important: To be officially marked as a housebound patient on your records, you must first contact the surgery to arrange a routine appointment with a GP. The GP will assess your situation and authorise this status if appropriate.
Requesting a Home Visit
- Please make your request before 11:00am whenever possible, to help us plan the day and minimise disruption to our appointment system.
- Our reception team will ask for the reason for the visit. This is so the request can be assessed by a clinician.
- All home visit requests are triaged first by a clinician.
- The clinician will telephone you to discuss your problem and determine whether a home visit is necessary, and if so, how urgently.
- Please note: you cannot insist on a home visit. It will only be arranged if the clinician determines your medical condition requires it.
Who May Visit You
If a home visit is approved, you will be seen by a clinician from the practice – this may be a GP, nurse practitioner, or another qualified healthcare professional.
Reasons Home Visits Will Not Usually Be Offered
- Transport issues – Please arrange your own transport via relatives, friends, or taxi firms.
- Childcare issues – Children can be brought to the surgery.
- Poor mobility – Our surgery is wheelchair-accessible and equipped with ramps, lifts, and assistance from our reception team.
- Unwell children – It is safer for children to be assessed at the surgery where we have the necessary equipment and facilities.
Conditions That Do Not Usually Require a Home Visit
Common illnesses and symptoms in children, adults, and older adults can usually be managed at the surgery. If you are able to attend other healthcare settings or carry out daily activities, you are fit enough to attend the surgery.
Why We Encourage Surgery Appointments Where Possible
- The surgery is equipped with better facilities for examination and treatment.
- Home visits take significantly longer than surgery appointments and may delay care for other patients.
Terms of Service
General practice is not an emergency service. Whether a home visit is arranged is at the doctor’s discretion, based on your medical condition and clinical need.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding home visits, please contact the surgery.
Your cooperation helps us provide the best possible care for all our patients