Unfortunately this is becoming more of an issue, and it is a concerning one. I know of several patients who when I have suggested the GP route, answer that it would be a waste of time and they wouldn't come out nor care about the condition. Several have apologised to say they tried to get a home visit but the GP told them to call an ambulance. Now these are but a few, and with the fear of an onslaught of angry GPs, this is not always the case, just as Tom talks of good and bad nursing homes, there are good and bad GPs too (as well as good and bad ambulance staff admittedly) I came across a GP on my last set of days who absolutely amazed me.... He was seeing a patient who had struggled down to the surgery (they got told off for that) with a sudden onset of severe DIB (Difficulty in Breathing). The GP went down the route of O2 and a neb straight away, getting the reception to call 999 in the meantime. I hasten to add that the GP had finished surgery and was in fact on his way out the door for the day when he saw this patient arrive. On arrival of the cavalry he gave a very very very clear and concise medical history of the patient (a relevant one at at that too) and then asked if one of us would mind having a listen to the chest as he was concerned that the right side was reduced. It was, and one spontaneous tension pneumothorax later, he was dealing with the chest decompression and asking if we would like him to travel. He had a home to go to, he had a family to be with and he had just finished a long day, but he did what everyone expects their GP to do, be there no matter what to help them. Now that GP gets double thumbs up, GP of the month award and boy I wish he was my GP.