Home Visit Policy

Our practice is committed to providing safe, effective, and timely care to all our patients. In alignment with National Health Service (NHS), British Medical Association (BMA), and General Medical Services (GMS) contract guidelines, we have established the following home visit policy to ensure our resources are directed toward those who need them most.

Who is Eligible for a Home Visit?

Home visits are reserved exclusively for patients who are strictly housebound or receiving end-of-life (terminal) care.

You are not considered housebound if you are able to leave your home for non-medical reasons. If you can travel to the local shops, attend hairdresser appointments, or visit friends and family, you are expected to attend the surgery for your medical appointments. Lack of transport is not a valid medical reason for a home visit.

Transport to Appointments

If you do not meet the strict medical criteria for a home visit, it is your responsibility to arrange travel to the practice. If you do not drive or have access to a vehicle, we recommend exploring the following options:

• Booking a local taxi service.

• Asking relatives, friends, or neighbours for assistance.

• Contacting Age UK Trafford on 0161 746 9754 for advice on any possible community transport services to get to medical appointments for the housebound, elderly, or vulnerable.

Why It Is Better to Attend the Surgery

Whenever possible, we ask that patients attend the practice. Being seen at the surgery is generally much safer and provides a better standard of care due to:

• Access to Equipment: We have specialized medical equipment, excellent lighting, and diagnostic tools that cannot be transported to a patient’s home.

• Comprehensive Records: Clinicians have immediate, full access to your medical history and support staff.

• Efficiency: A GP can safely examine and treat four to six patients at the surgery in the time it takes to conduct a single home visit.

Requesting a Home Visit

If you believe you meet the criteria for a home visit, please follow these steps:

• Contact us directly: Home visits can only be requested by calling the practice directly on 0161 903 9010.

• Contact us early: Please call before 10:30 AM.

• Late requests: Visit requests made after 10:30 AM may not be accommodated that same day unless it is deemed clinically urgent.

The Triage Process and Clinical Judgment

Under the GMS contract, patients do not have an automatic right to a home visit. A home visit will only be provided if the doctor deems it clinically inappropriate for you to travel due to your medical condition.

1. Initial Assessment: All requests for home visits will be triaged by a doctor.

2. Telephone Consultation: The doctor will likely call you back to assess your symptoms.

3. Alternative Care: Depending on the clinical assessment, your problem may be resolved over the phone, or you may be asked to attend the surgery, sent a prescription to a local pharmacy, or referred to another community service.

Urgent Care and Emergencies

Our standard operational hours are 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. If you require medical assistance but we do not have availability, or if you are calling outside of these opening hours:

• Call 111: For urgent medical advice or if the practice is at capacity.

• Call 999: In a life-threatening emergency (such as severe chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe bleeding), dial 999 immediately. Do not request a home visit for a medical emergency.

This policy has been developed in accordance with standard BMA, NHS, and GMS guidelines regarding GP home visits to ensure the safe and equitable distribution of clinical care.