Home Visits

The doctors or the Practice Matron will visit you at home if you are seriously ill or confined to the house. Only in very exceptional circumstances should a house visit for a child be necessary.

We are sorry, but it is not possible to promise that one particular doctor will visit, but requests will be noted.

When you request a visit, the Receptionist will ask for full details of the patient’s name, address, telephone number and the reason for the visit. This information enables the doctors to prioritise their calls.

The doctor’s time is valuable. Please bear in mind that a house visit takes four to six times as long as a consultation at the surgery.

Except in emergencies please telephone the surgery before 11am for a visit.  After 11am please request a visit only in emergencies.

Sick Children

We are aware of how worrying it can be to have a sick child. If you are concerned about your child, we will always see him or her the same day at the surgery.

We do ask that whenever possible you bring your child to the surgery rather than requesting a home visit.

A child will come to no harm being brought to the surgery and can usually be seen sooner (which sometimes is vital). Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

It is always wise to keep a supply of children’s Paracetamol at home. Paracetamol reduces a child’s temperature, so should be given four hourly (maximum four doses in 24 hours) whenever a child has a temperature. This is the only treatment required in most minor illnesses in childhood.

If you are worried about your child, or if your child fails to improve in two to three days, it is worth bringing him or her to the surgery for a check.

Do I Need a Home Visit?

A GP visit is not needed for the following common symptoms:

Fevers, cough, sore throat, earache, headache, diarrhoea and vomiting, most cases of abdominal pain.

In these instances most patients are usually well enough to travel.

Remember it is not harmful to wrap up a child with a fever and bring them to the surgery.

Adults with common problems as above are also readily transportable to the doctor’s surgery.