If you've ever had to say something a bit sensitive at a reception desk — confirming a diagnosis, explaining a personal issue, or just giving your date of birth — within earshot of a full waiting room, you're not alone. It's something our committee has been raising with Modality Mid Sussex.

What's changing

At our February 2026 meeting, members discussed patient privacy at reception across the practice's sites. We looked at examples of good practice from other surgeries — including quieter conversation spaces and different reception layouts — and agreed to put these ideas to the practice as potential improvements.

This is still at the proposal stage: nothing has been implemented yet, but it's a live discussion item and one we plan to keep raising at future meetings.

What it could mean for patients

If adopted, changes like these would give patients more privacy and confidence when discussing anything personal at the front desk — without needing to worry about being overheard.

What the PPG is doing

We've raised the issue directly with the practice, backed it with examples of what's worked well elsewhere, and added it to our list of topics for ongoing discussion. We'll update patients here once we hear back on next steps.