Home Visits

You may think that a home visit by a family doctor (GP) is best for patient care. However, while home visits are convenient for the patient, they actually offer a poorer standard of care compared to surgery consultations.

This is because of:

  • poor facilities – for example, soft beds, poor lighting or lack of hygiene
  • inefficiency – the doctor could see four to six other equally needy patients in the time taken for one home visit
  • patient records – which are required to provide appropriate and safe care, are not immediately available; and
  • patient chaperones – who are required to be present for some examinations, are not always available.

We have noticed that many patients are requesting visits that are inappropriate or unnecessary. This has a negative impact on other aspects of our service. Calling the doctor out unnecessarily takes the doctor away from patients who may have a greater clinical need. Most of the consultations during home visits could easily and safely be carried out in the surgery. 

Terminally ill patients: we have no problems seeing those who are at most clinical need

Truly bedbound patients: we have no problems seeing those who are confined to bed

So poorly, the patient would be harmed if moved: we have no problems seeing those who are at most clinical need.

Further information

  • If you are mobile, 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.

Remember: you do not have an automatic right to a home visit.

Always provide a current landline/mobile number so that the Doctor or Nurse can contact you.