The doctors are happy to visit people at home if they are housebound or too unwell to come to the surgery.

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 in the surgery in the time taken for just one visit. At home we do not have full records and equipment so care is generally better delivered in the surgery.

As a rule, we ask that people come to the surgery 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 surgery 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 surgery before 11:00 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 with your problem.