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home visits SHORTCUT ivy.gs/visitrequest Home visit requests Other pages: Visits | Requests | Support

Home visit requests

This is one of our three pages supporting you around home visiting. This page is about how to make a visit request appropriately.

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  • Making visit requests YOU'RE HERE

This page

 

Will I be able to get a visit?

Are you in one of these groups? Hover overClick each statement for an explanation:

GROUP 1
I am completely bedbound and unable to move

We have no problem at all seeing those who are confined to bed

GROUP 2
I am terminally ill or near to end-of-life

We have no problem at all seeing those who are at most clinical need

GROUP 3
I am so poorly that I would come to harm if I were moved

We will always assess your request and agree with you the best course of action

 

I think I need a home visit

Click below if you think you qualify for a home visit:

VISIT NEEDED
You are in one of the above groups and think you might need a visit

Hover over for more information:

If you are mobile, even if you require aids or support, please book a surgery appointment

Any patient who is mobile, even with difficulty, should attend surgery

If you are in one of the above groups, and need medical help, you may need a visit

We have no problem at all seeing those who are at most clinical need

Please ring 01773 514130 before 10.30am so that your call can be assessed

Ringing earlier than later allows the doctor to assess your request and plan their day effectively around home visits for the benefit of all patients

 

Where can I get more information?

Download our policy and leaflets

home visiting at Ivy Grove

Home visiting leaflet

home visiting policy

Home visiting policy

reasons for a home visit

Home visiting summary poster

View our information videos

Home visiting
policy
Reasons to
ring 999
Smokey
Reminders

Home visiting policy

Home visiting policy

Home visiting policy

 

Three steps to requesting a home visit

Click to go to the required step:

Step 1
I feel far too poorly - what do I do?

Step 2
When is the best time to ring for a home visit?

Step 3
I feel far too poorly - what do I do?
 

Step 1 I feel far too poorly - what do I do?

Hover overClick each statement for an explanation:

I need to ring 999 because my life is in immediate danger

A 999 call is appropriate if your condition is such that your life may be in danger, e.g., suspected stroke, heart attack, heavy bleeding, unable to breathe

Although I'm ill, I'm mobile at home, perhaps I can get to surgery

Even though you may not be in the best of health, we kindly ask that any patient who is mobile (own legs, walking aids, wheelchair, scooter, frame etc) come and see us in surgery

I can't get out of bed or feel too poorly, I will ring for advice on what to do

For patients who are so poorly they are unable to leave the house under any circumstance, we will always consider individual requests for home visits

 

Step 2 When is the best time to ring for a home visit?

Hover overClick each statement for an explanation:

First thing, as soon as I feel I may need a home visit

This will enable to doctors to assess your request, and to plan their day effectively, for the benefit of all patients. Please ring through all requests for same day visits before 10.30am at the latest. Each request will be assessed individually

It doesn't matter when I ring, the doctor can just pop out

The doctors have fully booked surgeries and cannot simply drop everything to visit people urgently

Last thing, just so I can see if I get any better

We are happier if you call earlier in the day, rather than wait till last thing in the evening at the end of a busy day. Doctors are always happy to give telephone advice when needed if you are not sure you need a visit

 

Step 3 In what situations should I request a home visit?

Hover overClick each statement for an explanation:

I am completely bedbound and unable to move

We have no problem at all seeing those who are confined to bed

I am terminally ill or near to end-of-life

We have no problem at all seeing those who are at most clinical need

I am so poorly that I would come to harm if I were moved

We will always assess your request and agree with you the best course of action

As a patient, I have an automatic right to a home visit

Under GP terms of service, it is actually for the doctor to decide, in their reasonable opinion, where a consultation should take place

As an older patient, I should always get a home visit

Our clinical work should not discriminate simply based on age alone

I have a high temperature and cannot leave the house

No-one will come to harm by being wrapped up and brought to surgery

I am a child, young adult or am otherwise mobile

Children are portable and can be seen quickly in surgery

I live in a residential home so I should get a home visit

Many such patients go to hospital outpatients and take trips out with relatives

Doctors will always prioritise seeing the unwell

I feel all right but I just need a Dr to check me over

I have no money for a taxi or any transport

This is not a medical responsibility - it is up to patients to organise transport

I have no childcare for my other children

Again this is not a medical responsibility

I've had a bit to drink and can't drive

Again this is not a medical responsibility

Can you visit me when I get back from the hairdressers?

Patients who are clearly mobile are taking doctors and nurses away from patients more at need

The weather is really bad, I can't get out

We are also affected by snow, ice or bad weather

I think I may be having a heart attack (or stroke)!

If you think you are having a heart attack, a stroke or other life-threatening condition, please ring 999

I am housebound so I should get a visit

Being housebound does not always prevent the use of transport. We would, in general, encourage all patients o remain as active as possible, and not to confine themselves indoors – this can contribute to a deterioration in physical and mental health

But I've always had a home visit from the doctor

Given the current climate, we must always prioritise clincial effectiveness over patient convenience

I need a visit to check I'm ready for admission to hospital

Paramedics can provide initial lifesaving care and patients will be dealt with appropriately in A+E departments

I've got a really sore throat and a bad cough

Such conditions should not prevent a patient from travelling

I need to use a stick because I don't walk very well

Poor mobility, joint pains, general malaise are best dealt with by consultation at the surgery. Walkers, sticks, frames, wheelchairs, scooters and support from others are all available to help improve mobility

I just don't feel like coming out to surgery today

This is not an appropriate request for a home visit and we must always priotise patients on the basis of clinical need

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Our home visiting pages are © 2014- Ivy Grove Surgery and may not be reproduced without permission. Practices wishing to adapt our policy or information should get in touch first

© Dr Michael Wong 2022