If you think an immediate visit is required, please tell the receptionist. In cases of major injury or critical condition, it may be more appropriate to go directly to Crosshouse Hospital Casualty department. If an ambulance is required, dial 999.
Our GP Practice is keen that we make the best use of our clinical staff allowing them to provide the most appropriate care to those most in need. For the vast majority of patients attending an appointment at the Surgery is the best option for them and for the Practice staff. Attending a surgery allows our clinical team to see many more patients in a day than if we are undertaking home visits. A doctor could see 4-6 other equally needy patients in the time it takes for a home visit.
Patients do not have an automatic right to a home visit.
- Doctors are only able to consider home visits for medical reasons only.
- If you think you qualify for a home visit, please ring before 10.30am.
- All visits requested will be medically assessed to check if appropriate.
- The GP may telephone, ensure you leave a current mobile number to be contacted on.
Some myths about home visits (all of these are not true).
- “It’s my right to have a home visit” – under GP terms of service, it is actually up to the Doctor to decide, in their reasonable opinion, where a consultation should take place.
- “I should get a visit because I’m old” – our clinical work should not discriminate simply based on age alone.
- “I can’t bring my child out in this weather” – no-one will be harmed by being wrapped up and brought in.
- “The Doctor needs to check I’m ready to go into hospital/have a ward to go to” – Paramedics can provide initial lifesaving care and patients will be dealt with appropriately in A&E Departments.
- “I’m housebound” – being housebound does not always prevent the use of transport.
- “I live in a care home so I get a visit” – many such patients still go to hospital outpatients and take trips out.
- “Can the GP just pop out and see me” – we have fully booked surgeries and cannot simply drop everything to visit people unless there is a clinical necessity.
If you think you may need a home visit
We would kindly ask any patient who is mobile (including using a walking aid, wheelchair or scooter) to see us in the surgery. If you are poorly and think you need an urgent same day visit, please ring your request through to the surgery on 01563 522411 between 8.30am-10.30am on the day, Option 1. The Doctor will always consider your request.
Always provide a current landline/mobile number that the Doctor can reach you on.
If we visit you and feel that your request was inappropriate
If we feel that your visit request was inappropriate, we may inform you so that you may use our services more appropriately in the future. Please do not be offended, as we have a duty to use our limited resources effectively for the safety and benefit of ALL patients.
Home visits, whilst convenient for patients, actually offer a poorer standard of care compared to surgery consultations. This is because of:
- Poor facilities (eg poor lighting, lack of hygiene)
- Lack of records and chaperones (required for safe care and examination)
We have noticed that many patients are requesting visits that are inappropriate or unnecessary. This is having a negative impact on other aspects of our service. Calling the Doctor out unnecessarily takes them away from the patient who may be in more clinical need. Most of the consultations during home visit could easily and safely be carried out in the surgery. Because patients might not know this, we are letting you know our policy on home visits.
Home visits are entirely appropriate for:
- Terminally ill patient – we have no problems at all seeing those who are at most clinical need
- Truly bedbound patients – we have no problem seeing those who are confined to bed
- Patient who are so poorly they would be harmed if moved – we have no problems at all seeing those who are at most clinical need
Home Visits are not appropriate for the following reasons:
- Children, young people or anyone who is mobile – young children can be carried and can be seen quickly in the surgery.
- Lack of money or transport – this is not a medical responsibility. It is up to the patient and/or families/friends to organise transport.
- Lack of childcare.
- People who have been drinking alcohol and not able to drive – this is not a medical responsibility.
- Can’t get out due to bad weather – we are also affected by snow, ice or bad weather.
- Timed visits between hairdressing and shopping appointments – patients who are clearly mobile are taking Doctors and Nurses away from patients more in need.
- Well, but need a check over to make sure everything is all right – our priority is seeing the unwell.
- Other help more appropriate – ie/ if you think you are having a heart attack or stroke please ring 999
