The Doctors are happy to visit people at home if they are housebound or genuinely too unwell to come to the practice.
Home Visits are, however, very time consuming and reduce the number of appointments we are able to offer – doctors could see 4 or 5 people at the practice in the time taken for just one visit. At home we do not have access to full records and equipment so care is generally better delivered in the practice.
As a rule, we ask that people come to the practice whenever possible even if it means asking a relative or friend to bring you or getting a taxi. Children should always be brought to the practice rather than seen at home.
We are only obliged to visit at home on the grounds of clinical need and not because of difficulties with transport.
If you think you may need a home visit, please call the practice as early as possible in the morning. Visits are usually done over lunchtime and requests coming in later in the day are highly disruptive to afternoon surgeries, causing inconvenience to other patients. Afternoon visits are therefore reserved for medical emergencies only.
The doctor may call you before coming out to visit to see if there is another way to help you with your problem.
