In the north east they are experimenting with seeing some patients with problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis in groups of up to 15 in sessions that last up to 2 hours. Everyone signs a confidentiality agreement and it is believed it helps people get more information about their condition and has the reassurance that others have the problems they have. They seem to be quite popular.
As I said currently the sessions are up to 2 hours long. Perhaps I am over cynical but I am willing to bet that once the system is established, they will start to chip away at the length of the sessions and eventually they will reduce the sessions to little more than half an hour and all they have time for is a few tests and a quick 'OK everybody?' Cannot take questions today we are running out of time. Why not go over the road to Tesco and discuss your problems over a cup of coffee.'
Passports not in the drawer I always keep them in. Turning the place upside down.