Requesting Your Appointment

Please note a GP surgery receptionist is not simply someone who answers the phone - they are specially trained to help you get the most appropriate treatment as fast as possible. In order to do this, they may need to ask you questions about why you need to see a doctor.

• When an appointment is for a specialised procedure please specify when making the appointment.

• Patients with more than one issue to discuss should book a double appointment to ensure that appropriate consultation can take place. Otherwise, patients may be asked to book another appointment at a later date.

• Urgent cases will be seen on the day where possible but we may not be able to offer a choice of doctor or time.

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Doctor House Call Policy – Lakelands Medical Practice

We understand that some patients may find it difficult to visit the surgery, and we want to ensure that those who need care the most receive it in the most effective way possible. Due to increasing demands on healthcare services and the ongoing shortage of GPs, we
have outlined our home visit policy to ensure fair and appropriate care for all our patients.

Who Can Request a Home Visit?

Doctor home visits are available for patients who:
✔️ Are terminally ill
✔️ Live in a nursing home
✔️ Are bedbound and physically unable to travel

To provide the best possible care, we are unable to offer home visits for patients who are not terminally ill, bedbound, or in a nursing home. If you are mobile but lack transport, we kindly ask that you arrange alternative means of getting to the surgery. Babies and young children should always be brought to the surgery, where we will do our best to see them as quickly as possible.

Why We Prioritize Care at the Surgery

Doctors can see more patients and provide a higher standard of care in the surgery, where
we have access to your full medical records, equipment, and other essential resources.
This allows us to diagnose and treat you more effectively.
How to Request a Home Visit
If you or a loved one meets the criteria above and requires a home visit:

• Call the surgery before 10 AM if possible

• Provide as much detail as possible so we can determine the most appropriate care

• Our team will inform you if a home visit is possible and give an estimated time

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Emergency Situations
If you believe you or your relative is too unwell to attend the surgery and requires urgent
medical attention, please call 112 or 999 immediately. Our responsibility is to provide you with the best possible care. Your responsibility is to take all reasonable steps to help us do so, including attending the surgery when possible.

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