ABSTRACT
Visits are not obligatory at the preference or request of patients – the GP can expect a patient to attend his surgery if fit to do so. The crux of the matter is the assessment of the clinical situation (usually on the telephone) in order to ascertain whether a visit is necessary. CASE STUDY: On Sunday complained to her sister that she did not feel well, and a
visit was requested of the GP, the call being received by the GP Deputising Service covering the practice. Five further telephone requests were made over the next 17 hours before a visit was finally made at 2am on Monday – the doctor arriving to find her dead in her bath.
