Home Visits

Crown Medical Practice receives requests for home visits for general medical care from patients and their carers. The medical team here will take a number of factors into account before they decide what type of patient contact to offer.

When is a Home Visit appropriate?

Clinical staff may feel that home visits are appropriate for some people, such as those who:

• have a terminal illness
• appear seriously unwell and where their condition may deteriorate during a journey to the surgery. It may be appropriate to dial 999 rather than the practice if the patient is seriously unwell and in need of immediate attention.
• are known to be housebound

What time should I call to request a visit?

If you think a home visit may be appropriate, please place your request by 10am whenever possible. This will give the clinician time to call you and discuss your concerns.

What will happen if I request a visit?

If you request a visit, one of the clinicians will call you back to discuss your request. Some requests can be dealt with over the phone but the clinician will discuss the options. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls.

You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP.

Will I be asked to come to the surgery instead?

When practice staff treat patients, the assessment should occur as safely and efficiently as possible. For most people with medical conditions, the best way to receive high quality care will be to be seen at the surgery. Healthcare staff at the surgery have instant access to patient records stored on computer system. The surgery also has dedicated facilities for examination, tests (including taking blood or performing hear recordings) and treatment.

The practice recognises that more people can be seen by a doctor when they visit the surgery. Approximately five patients can be seen in the practice in the time that it takes to make one home visit. So please help us to help you and our other patients by visiting the surgery whenever you need to be seen.

Any patient who has needs that warrant a home visit will always be offered one, although please note that Home Visits are always at the discretion of the practice.

What about babies and children?

Babies and children should be seen at the surgery. If you think your child is unwell, tell the reception team member you are speaking to and they will do everything they can to ensure you are not kept waiting to see a clinician. Please note that it is not harmful to take a child with a fever outside.

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.

What if I don’t have transport?

Unfortunately, Crown Medical Practice is not funded to to provide a transport service. It is the responsibility of the patient or their carer to arrange transport to and from the surgery. If you do not have a car then please ask a relative, friend or neighbour to take you, or book a taxi.