GP patients' fears

MORE than a third of people in Scotland are concerned that they can be overheard when disclosing sensitive personal information to their GPs' receptionists, figures show.

Despite the vast majority of patients being satisfied with the service at their local doctors, 37 per cent highlighted fears that other patients in the waiting room were able to hear details of their visit.

The first GP Patient Experience Survey National Report revealed the thoughts of almost 186,000 Scots from GP practices across the country, gathered in October 2009. It showed 81 per cent believed the arrangements to see a doctor were good or excellent, with 87 per cent of the same opinion for nursing.