Introduction

We are dedicated to fostering an environment in which everyone feels safe and well cared for. Some consultations and examinations can make you feel vulnerable and the presence of a chaperone can offer additional support and reassurance at such times.

There may also be times where your doctor requires a chaperone to be present.

Offering a Chaperone

• All patients will be offered a chaperone for their appointment at time of booking. It will be clear on booking that if a chaperone is required it might be necessary to rearrange the appointment for a time when both of our doctors can be available (as we are the only two members of staff, we act as chaperone for each other).
• If it becomes clear that an intimate examination is required in the course of an appointment, a chaperone will be offered at that point. If a chaperone is required, it may be necessary to bring the patient back at a different date or time for that examination to go ahead when both doctors can be present.
• Any request for an examination to be discontinued will always be respected.
• All patients should be routinely offered a chaperone during any consultation, examination, or procedure that may be considered intimate.
• For children and young people, their parents, relatives, and carers should be made aware of the policy and its importance.

Who Can Act as a Chaperone

• Relatives or friends of the patient are not considered impartial and are not usually suitable chaperones.
• Any member of the practice team can act as a chaperone if they have undertaken appropriate chaperone training and a successful DBS check.