Accreditation practice pointer: patients in distress are given privacy

C2.1 D Our patients in distress are provided with privacy.

RACGP Standards for general practice

There are times when patients may become distressed while they are in the waiting room, ahead of their appointment with a GP or nurse. It is important that these patients are treated with discretion and respect. Practices might develop a plan to help distressed patients.

Practices can support these patients by providing a private area where the patient can wait until their appointment. Such spaces may be an empty consult room, or the staff room.  A staff member might also be allocated to check on the welfare of distressed patients while they are waiting in private space.