"Privacy concerns & positive procedure feedback"

Apart from one privacy concern, I had as positive an experience as might be expected & possible for a gynaecological procedure. The nurses were thorough, professionally cheerful, & attentive as needed, and (although clearly very busy) the specialists - anaesthetist & gynaecologist- were clear, friendly & approachable. I felt very well cared for despite the 3 hour wait & long post-op recovery. (I'd been resigned to, & accepting of, this as it is the public system.)

My one concern is that "the paperwork" prior to the procedure was taken by the nurse in the relatively small & public surgical waiting room, after I'd been admitted & changed into hospital gown. 

There were many questions of my medical history - much of which from past 15 years would have been in existing records at this hospital.

Given that all of these questions had been answered on a form in the specialist consult (quite recently- just 2 weeks prior) & online for anaesthetist services, it seemed quite unnecessary to orally repeat all my medical history in front of other patients.

As a rural hospital, there is a high potential that one may know, or be known, by others in the room. I felt quite uncomfortable answering sensitive questions, such as about mental health & past procedures,  even in the low, whisper voices used. In fact, I was quite reticent to provide complete & accurate information in that setting. While I didn't ask, I wasn't given the option to answer in a private space. Even the change cubicle would have been more private!

 I'm an educated professional (2 degrees), who normally can confidently articulate my needs & concerns. However, once on the "procedure train",  I felt compelled to do what was asked to proceed to next stage.

 I expect many others may feel similarly, & vulnerable too. They also may evade providing essential information in that context. 

I don't know if this is a common practice, but believe it should be avoided - especially in rural & regional areas where tongues can & do wag.