It was a small act of defiance which I expected to be reciprocated by all medical staff in my GP surgery. Words and letters are generally ignored, although I do also write them, if every patient, nurse, GP, etc just refused to go along with these things the powers that be would have a much harder time enforcing them. Time didnt really come into it, the whole episode took about a minute. Nor did I argue, just stated me case politely and left.