If you think an urgent home visit is required, please tell the Receptionist. In cases of major injury or critical condition, it may be more appropriate to go directly to your local Hospital Accident & Emergency Department. If an Ambulance is required, dial 999.
The Bell Surgery is keen to ensure that we make the best use of our clinical staff, allowing them to provide the most appropriate care to those most in need of it. For the vast majority of patients, attending an appointment at the Practice is the best option for them and for the Practice staff.
The need for a home visit is a clinical decision and will be made by the GP taking the call. Lack of personal transport, lack of finances, the age of a patient and any potential inconvenience are not medical reasons for requesting a home visit.
Situations where home visits are appropriate and worthwhile:
Please note this list only includes some examples, and is not exhaustive:
- 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.
If you think you may need a home visit
If you are poorly and think you need a same day visit, please try to call us before 12.00 on the day where possible.
- If you are mobile (own legs, using walking aids, wheelchair or scooter), 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.