"Receptionist divulges confidential patient..."

The receptionist is discussing patients and divulging confidential information with other members of staff.

I was sat in a full waiting area and she is heard talking loudly about patients following phone calls. Not only is she complaining about them but she is discussing their health concerns with other members of staff.

I was really shocked to hear this. I am thinking of leaving the surgery.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing that the lady might be talking about me like that. The other concern was that other staff were participating.

If this is common practice then I do not want to be a patient here.

Medical information should be treated with the strictest of confidence and not used for office banter. Personal opinions should not be voiced so openly.

The other concern is the surgery want you to share information with the reception staff but after what I have heard I would not be comfortable doing that. Patients privacy is not protected.