Home visits are made to those who are too ill to attend the surgery.
Whenever possible these should be requested before 10.30am.
Although a traditional part of general practice, they are very time-consuming.
We adopt a policy of encouraging attendance at the surgery unless you feel this would seriously aggravate your own/others’ health condition.
When a visit is requested the receptionist will ask the nature of the illness.
This helps the doctors to plan the order of visits appropriately.
A doctor’s ability to assess and treat patients in their own home is often hindered by the lack of facilities that are normally available in the surgery.
The number of patients that a doctor can see and treat in their own homes in one day is restricted because of the travelling time involved, it makes sense for the patient to come to the doctor.
Visiting is not usually required for common symptoms of childhood such as fevers, cold, cough, earache, headache, diarrhoea/vomiting and most cases of abdominal pain.
It is perfectly safe to take a child out with a fever.
Car transport is sensible and is always available from friends, relatives or taxi firms.
Non-urgent advice: Please Note
It is not the responsibility of the doctor to arrange transport to the surgery.
Adults with common problems of cough, sore throat, flu, back pain and abdominal pain should also not require home visiting.
Home visits are made at the discretion of the doctor.