Yesterday I received a request for a housecall from a young woman with D and V (Diarrhoea and Vomiting). Speaking to her on the phone I determined that she was not dangerously ill and offered her a slot in the afternoon surgery. She said she was too ill to come in; moreover when I suggested a taxi to bring her she announced she had insufficient funds to pay for one. I refused to go, partly on the grounds that she didn't sound ill enough, and partly that she once physically attacked me in the surgery. She has since apologised, and in a fir of magnanimity I allowed her to stay in the practice.
This has proved one of my less inspired decisions, as she has a variety of quite real medical problems which have generated a lot of work for all of us. Today she calls back saying she is worse, and I realize I must go. I persuade my PA (also a lady) to accompany me, to act as witness should anything unpleasant go down. I am not physically intimidated by her, but I must remain on my guard. My police friends have told me in the past that scrawny little girls can often be the most vicious and unpredictable.
In the event all goes smoothly, except that I am confirmed in my original judgement that a housecall was not necessary in the first place. I am too diplomatic to mention this to her there and then, but it will all be logged for future reference.
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