Home Visits Policy

Home visits are provided only where clinically necessary. The GP will decide whether a home visit is required based on the patient’s clinical condition. Home visits are reserved for patients who are genuinely housebound and patients who are terminally ill.

A healthcare professional from the practice may conduct a home visit if they believe the patient’s condition:
a. Prevents them from travelling to the practice, or
b. May deteriorate as a result of travelling to the practice.

We do not consider the following to be valid reasons for a home visit:

• A lack of transport
• The patient’s financial situation
• Childcare issues
• Poor weather conditions
• Any other situation deemed inappropriate by the clinician

Where appropriate, we will consider alternative ways of assessing the patient, such as a telephone consultation or referral to other services (for example, the district nursing team or social services).

Guidance (GMS Wales)

Our approach follows guidance from GMS Wales, which states that home visits under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract are primarily intended for patients who are housebound or too unwell to attend the surgery. The decision to conduct a home visit rests with the GP, based on the patient’s clinical need and whether a physical examination at the patient’s location is necessary.

Transport issues or other practical difficulties are generally not considered a valid reason for a home visit.

Key points

• Home visits should be based on clinical need and are reserved for patients whose condition requires assessment at home.
• The GP will decide whether a home visit is required and how urgently it is needed.
• Home visits are not provided for convenience, including requests due to transport issues, childcare problems, or other non-clinical reasons.
• Where a home visit is not appropriate, we may offer alternative options such as attending the surgery, a remote consultation (telephone or video), or advice via NHS 111.
• Wherever possible, we prefer to assess patients at the practice, where we have the facilities and equipment required to provide the most appropriate care.

Examples of when a home visit may be considered

• Terminally ill patients.
• Housebound patients (those unable to leave their home due to illness or disability).
• Patients with severe, debilitating illness who cannot travel.