The NetDoctor website states "Many patients believe there is an automatic right to a home visit from a GP between 8am and 6.30pm, but this is not the case.

Doctors will always encourage people to come into the surgery because this is where the best care can be provided. Specialist equipment is there, tests can be carried out more easily and drugs issued if necessary.

GPs tend to visit a patient at home when:

• cdn.netdoctor.co.uk/images/bullet_grey.gif) 4px 6px no-repeat;">the patient is confined due to illness or disability
• cdn.netdoctor.co.uk/images/bullet_grey.gif) 4px 6px no-repeat;">urgent treatment can be given more quickly by visiting"

My late mother, a few years ago, was able to get home visits without too much trouble. She was in her nineties, had long-diagnosed heart and other problems, and used a wheelchair.

As usual with doctors' surgeries, their resources are over-stretched and they have to prioritise. The receptionist who fields your first approach is key; if you feel the patient is too ill, weak, or is otherwise unable to attend, you must make your case for a home visit as firmly, persistently and politely as you can.

In my own case, I suffer from hearing and other ear problems and getting an appointment with a nurse often means waiting for a week with even poorer hearing than usual. When I once went to the surgery with a problem and explained I had an interview the next day, I was seen by a doctor first thing in the morning and dealt with. (The interview was a success, which it would not have been otherwise.)