Lightbulb moment about GP’s and how things used to be

[Smellsofbeef]

I’ve just realised that as a child I was never taken to the doctors. If myself or any member of the family was Ill then the doctor was phoned and it would be a home visit. Never, ever taken to the doctors surgery.

I was born in 73 and as far as I know it was the norm back then.
On the other hand, my children who are now in their early 20’s have never had a home visit from the GP, no matter how poorly they’ve ever been we’d always be expected to take them to the surgery.

When did this about turn happen? Or was it just my family that would call the doctor for a home visit?

I remember the local doctor calling on my nana when he was passing! Not even been called, just he was nearby so he’d pop in to see her (she suffered with her ‘nerves’).

Was a home visit the norm back then ?

@Philandbill Lovely you had that experience too. It must be good for them to see the positives in what I'm sure can be an incredibly difficult job.

I had a home visit last year, when I was ill. I think they are rarer, but they do happen.

Born 1980 and only had one home visit as a child which turned into a hospital stay….

but GOs do still do home visits, my grandmother died recently at the age of 94 but was very frail for a couple of years before and the GP always came to her - including popping in unasked for on the day before she died because we all knew her time was close and she wanted to say goodbye and check we were ok. The kindness that Gp showed when I know she was under enormous pressure (as are all GPs) will stay with me for a long long time.

I remember having a home visit in around 1988 when I had chicken pox.

My then husband and myself were laid up with gastroenteritis and his Doctor did a home visit and this was in 1992. He was a bit useless really because my husband was sitting up in bed (wooden headboard) and also complained about his neck feeling stiff. The Doctor said to open the window and watch out for a rash! I thought "he'll be recommending a lumbar puncture for the shits next".