Under their terms of working, GPs are required to consider home visits for medical reasons only.
Remember: you do not have an automatic right to a home visit
If you think you require a home visit, please call the surgery before 10am. All home visit requests will be medically assessed to check if a visit is appropriate.
Always provide a current landline/mobile number so that we can contact you.
Where home visits are not appropriate:
Some myths about home visits:
– Lack of money or transport. This is not a medical responsibility. It is up to the patient to organise transport
– Lack of childcare or been drinking alcohol and not able to drive. This is not a medical responsibility
– Can’t get out due to bad weather. Remember that medical staff are also affected by snow, ice or bad weather
– Timed visits between hairdressing and shopping appointments. Patients who are clearly mobile are taking doctors and nurses away from patients with greater need
– Feeling well, but need a check over to make sure everything is all right. Our priority is seeing those patients who are unwell.
Other help may be more appropriate – for example, if you think you are having a heart attack or a stroke, please ring 999.
If you think you may need a home visit:
If you are poorly and think you need an urgent same day visit, please call us before 10am on the day.
- If you are mobile (own legs, using walking aids, wheelchair or scooter), we kindly ask that you see us in the surgery
- The triage nurse or doctor will always consider your request and ensure you are seen by the most appropriate health care professional in the most appropriate location
- An emergency hospital admission may be organised for the patient via the ambulance service without first seeing the patient, in cases where their medical condition make that course of action appropriate.
If we visit you at home and feel that your request was inappropriate, we may inform you so that you use our services more appropriately in the future. Please do not be offended, as we have a duty to use our resources effectively for the safety and benefit of all patients.
You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.
| Appropriate | Not appropriate |
| Bedbound | No transport or money |
| Terminally ill | Children, young people and anyone who is mobile |
| Would come to serious harm if moved | Social reasons or for convenience |