Home Visits at Malthouse Surgery

When we can visit you at home

Home visits are reserved for patients who are genuinely unable to attend the surgery because of a medical or physical condition. Please read this page before requesting a home visit.

The NHS position on home visits

Home visits remain an important part of general practice, but NHS guidance is clear that they are only appropriate for a small number of patients who are medically unable to attend the surgery.

A home visit is not an automatic entitlement.
Most health problems are assessed more safely and effectively in the surgery, where we have access to equipment and the wider team.
A GP or clinician must decide whether a home visit is clinically necessary, based on your condition.
The following are not valid reasons for a GP home visit: no transport, bad weather, childcare difficulties, cost of travel, or personal preference.

Being described as “housebound” by another service (for example district nursing) does not automatically mean that a GP home visit will be offered. Each request is assessed clinically.

Who home visits are for (and when they’re not appropriate)

We may visit at home if:

You are genuinely housebound due to a medical or physical condition.
You live in a nursing or residential home and cannot travel safely.
You are receiving end-of-life or palliative care.
Your condition would significantly worsen if you travelled to the surgery.

A clinician will always make the final decision about whether a home visit is clinically necessary.

Home visits are not provided when:

You do not have access to a car or public transport.
You have childcare or work commitments.
The weather is poor or it is difficult to park.
You would simply prefer to be seen at home.
You feel anxious about coming to the surgery (we can support you in other ways).

If you are able to leave your home for other reasons (for example shopping, social events, hairdressing or other appointments), we will normally ask you to attend the surgery.

How to request a home visit

If you believe you may need a home visit, please phone the surgery as early as possible, ideally before 10:30am.

Call 01235 468 860 and explain that you are asking for a home visit.

Step 1

Tell us about the problem

Our reception team will ask for your details and the reason for the request. They work under the direction of our clinicians and are trained to ask these questions to help us assess the urgency and type of care you need.

Step 2

A clinician reviews your request

A GP or another appropriate clinician will review the information. They may phone you (or your carer) to ask more questions and decide whether a home visit is clinically necessary.

Step 3

We agree the best plan

Depending on your needs, we may arrange a home visit, an appointment at the surgery, a telephone or video consultation, or advise you to seek urgent or emergency care.

Please remember: a request for a home visit does not guarantee that a visit will be made. A clinician will always decide based on clinical need.

Keeping everyone safe during home visits

We have a duty of care to both our patients and our staff. To help us provide care safely during a home visit, we ask that:

The room where the consultation takes place is smoke-free.
Pets that may cause distraction or risk are kept in another room.
There is a clear space for examination or assessments.
Any known risks in the home (for example, aggressive behaviour from others, difficult access) are shared with us in advance where possible.

If we identify significant risks to staff, we may need to agree a different way for your care to be provided, for example at another venue or with support from other services.

Why we usually ask you to come to the surgery

Wherever it is safe and possible for you to travel, being seen at the surgery is usually better for you and for the NHS.

We have full access to equipment (for example ECGs, blood tests, blood pressure monitors, oxygen readings).
We can quickly involve other members of the team if needed.
We can often see more patients more safely in the surgery than we can by travelling between homes.
It helps us provide more timely care for everyone who needs us.

Home visit FAQs

What does “housebound” mean?

In general practice, “housebound” means that leaving your home requires significant help from another person or health service, and that travel to the surgery would be unsafe or would cause a major deterioration in your health. It does not usually include people who can leave the house independently or with minor assistance.

Why can a district nurse visit, but not always the GP?

Different services have different criteria and reasons for visiting. District nurses often provide specific treatments at home (for example wound care). A GP home visit is reserved for situations where a medical assessment cannot safely be done at the surgery. We assess each request individually.

What if I can’t get transport to the surgery?

Lack of transport on its own is not a reason for a GP home visit. There are options such as wheelchair-accessible taxis, community transport and help from family, friends or carers. Our reception team can signpost to local schemes where available.

Can I request a home visit for someone else?

Yes. Carers, relatives or care home staff can request a home visit on behalf of a patient. We will still need information about the patient’s condition and may need to speak to the patient directly if possible.

What if my condition is urgent or life-threatening?

For chest pain, severe breathlessness, stroke symptoms, heavy bleeding, serious injury, or if you think it is life-threatening, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Do not wait for a home visit.