[KiTChener]

Further to the 'TB' question.... I went to BRI earlier this week, for a regular check up. Reporting to reception, my file is duly found, & to ascertain that it is indeed me that's stood there, the usual 'ID' type questions are asked & answered to the satisfaction of the receptionist. However, the final one had me thinking for the rest of the day...

'Have you been resident in this country for the last twelve months?'

Quite apart from the fact that a cursory glance at the file would show that I have been seeing this particular consultant for the last four years, I wondered why this question is, presumably, being asked of everyone on booking in, whether Caucasian (as I am) or otherwise.

If I was of a darker complexion, could I, perhaps, be offended by this question?
If I answered 'No', what would the next question be??
If 'yes', would I be asked to prove it? Therefore giving me even further grounds for a complaint?

I appreciate that the majority of our NHS staff are constantly working under extreme pressure... whichever 'higher authority' is insisting that they now ask such a loaded question, is not only adding to that pressure, but also possibly leaving them open to the kind of complaint that is so common these days.

Surely, as in my case, there are simpler ways of obtaining the information, for whatever reason it may be required??