Confidential information.

Mrs Seabiscuit · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:38

Just had an eye test now I'm registered blind so I get free eye tests. Now to confirm everything the receptionnist asked me name address and questions about my blindness......much to the interest of the entire waiting room. this is something I notice in dentists doctors and such places where you give personal information. so has this happened to you were you bothered by it and did you say anything? :-)

jahujames · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:45

I think the only time I've ever not divulged information was when asked at the doctors "What do you need to see him for, so he's got a general idea?" I just said "I'd really rather not discuss it... or if given the option, tell you in private."

Receptionist took me to one side and I told her... simples! Wasn't really too fussed about it, really. I guess it's an unspoken thing that the offer to tell them in private, or not tell them at all, is always on the table.

CosmicClown · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:46

I usually yell 'GEE TEE EFF OH'

eatcustard · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:50

I never answer them, they soon get the message

cjgardens · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:53

jahujames said:
I think the only time I've ever not divulged information was when asked at the doctors "What do you need to see him for, so he's got a general idea?" I just said "I'd really rather not discuss it... or if given the option, tell you in private."UOTE]

Man problems?

jahujames · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:58

cjgardens said:
Man problems?

Possible life-altering (not threatening) genetic problem actually! No problem admitting it online, but saying it in a waiting room... different matter apparently, haha.

Pestilence · 13 Feb 2013 at 18:06

cjgardens said:
jahujames said:

I think the only time I've ever not divulged information was when asked at the doctors "What do you need to see him for, so he's got a general idea?" I just said "I'd really rather not discuss it... or if given the option, tell you in private."UOTE]

Man problems?

Click to expand...

"Umm... well... bum grapes."

Richie · 13 Feb 2013 at 20:17

Like these weirdos on "Embarrassing Bodies". People are too embarrassed to go to their GP yet are happy for their illness to be shown on national TV? :confused:

chrisgt · 13 Feb 2013 at 20:22

Out of interest, what prescription deems you blind? I'm 5.0/5.25 (left/right).

Just curious! Sorry.

Pawnless Endgame · 13 Feb 2013 at 20:22

Sorry to hear of you being registered blind Mrs S. Out of interest, what are your lens prescriptions? I'm very high, -27, sight in 1 eye only and wondered what you need to be to register as blind.

P.S. - beaten by Chrisgt!

As for confidentiality, I think what you described does break the data protection act 1998. I would be having words with the PALS dept relevant to your NHS Trust, and they can act on your behalf, carry out investigations on why confidential details are being discussed in an open environment.

Nightglow · 13 Feb 2013 at 20:42

Mrs S do you claim the blind concession TV Licence, my mum is severely sight impaired (12% vision) & is able claim it.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/blindseverely-sight-impaired-aud5/

Surveyor · 13 Feb 2013 at 20:43

The simple answer is that if you don't want to discuss confidential information in public then you ask to go somewhere private.

It it's a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 to ask this type of question in a public waiting room, as Monserrat suggests, then that would likely mean that every hospital, GP surgery, dentists, opticians etc. is in breach of the Act.

malfunkshun · 13 Feb 2013 at 21:05

Doesn't generally bother me, but if it was something 'sensitive' it might.

(For those asking about registration)