"Patient required to reveal information within earshot of everyone"

I accompanied a friend to the hospital in Macclesfield a while ago and we were there some time. For a long time I was alone as she was being treated. It gave me time to see that whenever a patient comes into Accident and Emergency they are asked within earshot of all and sundry to reveal their name, address, date of birth, religion and symptoms! In this day and age when we cannot even find out if our own mother is a patient in a hospital this seems a real lack of discretion and patient protection. I wonder why it is common practice everywhere not just in Macclesfield general hospital which other wise is splendid.