If you request a home visit our staff follow the steps below to check if we can offer you a home visit.
START → Patient requests home visit
1. ANY RED FLAGS?
- Chest pain
- Severe breathlessness
- Stroke symptoms (facial / limb weakness, slurred speech)
- Collapse / unconscious
- Severe bleeding / sepsis
YES → CALL 999 (NOT GP visit)
NO → Continue
2. IS THE PATIENT HOUSEBOUND?
Ask:
- Can they leave home at all?
- Can they walk (even with aid)?
- Could they attend with help (family/taxi)?
Definition of HOUSEBOUND:
- Unable to leave home due to physical/mental illness
- Leaving home requires considerable effort AND is rarely possible
YES → Go to Step 4
NO → Go to Step 3
3. IF NOT HOUSEBOUND — CAN THEY ATTEND SURGERY SAFELY?
Consider:
- Would travel worsen condition?
- Are they clinically stable?
- Do they need examination/equipment?
YES → BOOK FACE-TO-FACE (urgent if needed)
NO → Go to Step 4
4. IS A HOME VISIT CLINICALLY NECESSARY?
Appropriate if:
- Truly housebound
- Severe frailty / acute illness
- End-of-life care
- Significant distress or risk if moved
NOT appropriate if:
- Lack of transport only
YES → ARRANGE HOME VISIT
NO → Go to Step 5
5. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES
- Telephone consultation
- Family/taxi transport
- Community teams
- Care Home patients refer to ATT (non-palliative)
If safe → Use alternative;
If Not – Clinical Review with GP.
Document & reasoning. Safety net. Communicate when to call back.
