Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Does closing branch surgeries affect home visiting?

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985; 290 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.290.6462.120 (Published 12 January 1985) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985;290:120
  1. B R McAvoy

    Abstract

    Home visiting rates in a rural general practice were compared for 12 months before and 12 months after five branch surgeries were closed. In villages whose surgeries were closed no statistically significant change occurred in the new or repeat visiting rates. The consulting rate at the main surgery remained constant over the two years. Although visiting rates to villages that had had a branch surgery did not change after the closures, the pattern of visiting to these villages became more rational.