Housecall Requests
At Cowdenbeath Medical Practice we keen to ensure that our patients are seen in the correct setting so that they receive the most appropriate care for their needs at the most appropriate time. For this reason we are changing the way in which we approach all requests for a housecall.
For majority of patients it would be more beneficial to have a consultation at the surgery by one of our GPs or Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs). These benefits include:-
þ Better facilities and lighting to undertake thorough examinations
þ Full access to a patient’s health record
þ Option to have a chaperone present
þ Efficient use of GP time - 4-6 patients can be seen in the time taken for a home visit
Due to the increasing demands on General Practice, GPs can no longer automatically visit any patient who requests a housecall.
We recognise that attending the surgery may not be possible for every patient and where it is clinically appropriate; our GPs will review home visit requests.
Our Reception team have been trained to ask specific questions to allow the GP to make a decision whether a housecall is most appropriate for your clinical need.
This ensures patients are assessed and treated safely and appropriately.
How do I request a housecall?
If you think you need a housecall, please telephone our Reception team on 01383 518500 (option 2) before 11:30am. The GP will always consider your request and you may receive a telephone consultation from the doctor who will discuss your symptoms with you.
If you telephone after 11:30am, the on-call doctor will review your request and you will receive an initial telephone consultation. Ringing the surgery sooner will help us to co-ordinate your care more efficiently while ensuring less disruption to other patients.
Requesting a housecall unnecessarily takes the GP away from other patients who may be in more clinical need. The GP will decide if a housecall is the best way in which to manage your care.
Who is eligible for a housecall?
þ Terminally ill patients
þ Patients who are bedbound and cannot leave the house
þ Patients who are seriously unwell and their condition would deteriorate during their journey to the Practice
þ I can’t get out bed or feel too ill, I will ring for advice on what to do - we will consider your request
When might a housecall request be inappropriate?
ý No transport or money – it is not the responsibility of the Practice to arrange transport or to perform a housecall in these circumstances. We would advise patients to find alternative transport to attend their appointment
ý No childcare arrangements
ý Having had home visits before – visits are based on clinical needs
ý ‘As an older patient, I should always get a home visit’ – visits are based on clinical needs and NOT age
ý ‘I just don’t feel like coming out to surgery today’ – this is NOT an appropriate reason for a visit request
ý ‘But I’ve always had a home visit from the doctor’- this is no longer sustainable
ý I am mobile at home, perhaps I can get to surgery – even those with ill health, may attend the surgery
Emergencies – when is it best to ring 999?
þ I need to ring 999 if my life is in immediate danger – e.g. suspected heart attack, stroke, drug overdose
þ Chest pain such as a suspected heart attack
þ Suspected stroke
þ Suspected Meningitis
þ Severe allergy causing difficulty breathing, face, lip and tongue swelling
þ Heavy bleeding or deep cuts
þ Changing levels of consciousness or completely unconscious
þ Difficulty breathing or stopped breathing
þ Fitting uncontrollably
You can make it easier for us to come and visit you at home by...
þ If you have a keysafe, please let us know the number and where this is kept
þ If your house or flat is difficult to find, please give us as much information as you can to help us get to you quickly and/or if possible have someone meet us
þEnsure pets are kept in another room beforehand to avoid distraction during the visit