I was in a private hospital recently (Knee replacement) They did exactly the same, asked me name and DoB before everything apart from giving me tea and biscuits. They even checked when I was in the theater and about to go under in just a couple of minutes. The damage of getting it wrong is just too great.

FYI I was very pleased with myself last week. Half the folk showing up for the 2 month post op review do it still using walking sticks. I cycled there :-)