finding the patient
Last reviewed 01/2018
Arrange to meet at the surgery/base where possible
- you have the medical facilities and treatments you need
- you maximise your efficiency
- you have computer records available
- you have phone and fax facilities
- the patient is contributing to the sensible management of community resources
Look at the map while discussing how to reach the patient's house. Ask for landmarks eg fourth on left after phone box.
- rural addresses may not include the road name and may not be marked at all ('meaning to for the last six years')
- in the dark, ask for plenty of lights to be put on and for someone to be watching out with a torch
- give the approximate time of arrival
- to reduce delay get family to arrange ambulance if needed