Patients Forced to Whisper to GPs because Walls Are Too Thin
News
Patients are being forced to whisper in GPs consulting rooms because the walls are so thin, a new report suggests.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/09/patients-forced-whisper-gps-walls-thin/
Personally, I think this is quite accurate, explaining your problems to the receptionist can be embarrassing, it is far too public and all around you can hear the discussion.
Have you experienced similar problems at your own surgery?
Well you can always go private and pay for a private room? Beggars can't be choosers.
I would imagine that most people like myself, feel that they as they pay for this service through their taxes, they shouldn't have to pay again for a 'private' doctor, whether they can afford to or not (and I can't).
tumblespots Well, the government could spend money on making the reception area more private, like a cubicle but then the NHS couldn't function unless taxes were increased even more. Privacy vs increased taxes?
cetiyo I/We pay enough already in so many ways, it's just a shame that they waste most of it instead of using it sensibly. They would never survive in a commercial world.
tumblespots Well I'm just thankful I'm not in the USA where healthcare is so much more expensive.
My doctors rooms are fine being in a solid old house, but I too hate giving personal information when I am standing sometimes only inches from other patients in the waiting area. I also hate when the pharmacist calls your name to collect your prescription and then booms out 'address please!' Anyone listening now has your name and address and I find this particularly worrying when it may be a young attractive female with so many weirdos around. I guess us olduns are also fair game and could be seen as easy prey.
I hope they don't use this report to authorize funding to make the walls more soundproof. Investment should be on prevention, diet, lifestyle and exercise!
Hi tumblespots, thank you for sharing news topics of interest. I have edited this post by removing the bulk of the news article which was copied and pasted to avoid possible copyright infringement, instead, linking to the article. It'd be great if you could do this in future. Thanks!
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tumblespots I agree there is somewhat a lack of privacy in my GP surgery within the reception area. Everyone behind you can hear what you are saying.
I carry a hidden camera with me all the time now - it records everything.
You have to be careful these days especially in London or Glasgow!
i have to say my doctors are fine and i don't feel anyone can overhear so i feel free to talk in detail about the issue - usually it is nothing too sensitive anyone
guess that is why they want people to just Skype their GPs nowadays, although even that may not be that secure...
I have ever used Skype but am aware of it. Can you really use it to talk to your doctor? I feel I am being left behind by technology/the world.
tumblespots I think they are trialling it out, but yes, it'll be an online chat and video will be enabled for the GP to see what you can present to them. The NHS just need to ensure all the lines are secure, so no unwanted videos will go viral
hspexy Do we all trust the NHS to keep these details secure?!?!?! I don't think I would like to point something at a camera and trust that it wouldn't end up somewhere it shouldn't. I am now so glad that I don't even have Skype.
There's very little privacy in our GPs. It's ok once you get in the consultations room but at reception generally. Is what it is - I suppose they have to ask certain questions to correctly advise you but I'm not a fan. I always try to politely not listen to the people before me in the queue and hope everyone behind me does the same!
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