Before leaving
Plan from your actual starting point
River crossings and regional traffic can make a familiar journey unpredictable. Check the map on the day, leave a realistic buffer and tell the clinic if a major delay develops. When possible, plan the return during hours when the family is comfortable travelling. If the patient is acutely confused, violent, unconscious, has overdosed, or is at immediate risk, use the nearest emergency service rather than attempting a routine intercity appointment.


