"The vulnerability of older people."

I attended the surgery for an appointment this morning. As I was walking through reception an older man, obviously hard of hearing, was trying to explain something to a receptionist. She was trying hard to make herself heard but couldn’t help having to raise her voice, I don’t believe she could have done anything else. But a lot of the man’s personal details were able to be heard by others. Including his name, age, address etc. He was obviously frail. I’m concerned that someone unscrupulous may take advantage of this kind of information, because the same thing happens every day.

With this new anima system, the way it operates, I believe it’s leaving people susceptible. There seems to be no discretion at all. I think provisions should be made so that people can speak confidentially, rather than at a desk in the middle of all the other activity. Older people are not being looked after, this new system leaves them worried and anxious about what the changes are to the routine they have been used to for years.