Chaperone Policy

 

We will always respect your privacy, dignity and your religious and cultural beliefs particularly when intimate examinations are advisable – these will only be carried out with your express agreement and you will be offered a chaperone to attend the examination if you so wish.

You may also request a chaperone when making the appointment or on arrival at the surgery (please let the receptionist know) or at any time during the consultation.

Introduction

A chaperone is an adult who is present during an intimate examination of a patient.   A chaperone is there to protect both the patient and the doctor or midwife from allegations of inappropriate behaviour.  They may also be asked to assist the doctor or midwife during the examination.

What is a chaperone?

A chaperone is an adult who is present during an intimate examination of a patient.   A chaperone is there to protect both the patient and the doctor or midwife from allegations of inappropriate behaviour.  They may also be asked to assist the doctor or midwife during the examination.

Can my partner, relative or friend act as chaperone?

You can choose to have your partner, relative or friend with you during your examinations.  It can be helpful to think about whether you and they will feel comfortable about this.  Also, there could be matters that you would prefer to discuss confidentially with your doctor/midwife.

You have the right to ask for a chaperone to be provided by the hospital and this can be helpful when you want extra support during an examination but would prefer not to have your partner, relative or friend in the room.

What about my privacy?

The chaperone will have had training about maintaining confidentiality and will also know what is and what is not necessary during this type of examination.

It is our policy to respect the privacy and dignity of our patients.  If you would like a chaperone to be present during a physical examination/consultation, or if you would prefer to be examined by a health professional of the same gender as yourself, please let us know and we will do our best to comply with your wishes.

What if I do not want a chaperone present?

The presence of a chaperone should only be with the agreement of both the patient and the doctor/midwife.  During intimate examination of a patient of the opposite sex to a doctor, a chaperone should always be present.

If the examining clinician feels that a chaperone should be present and the offer of a chaperone is declined by the patient, the clinician may not wish to continue with the examination.

Chaperones and children.

If the examination is to be carried out on a child, a chaperone must be present at all times.  This may be a parent or carer, although there may be some circumstances where this is not appropriate.  Children cannot be chaperones for adults or be present during intimate examinations.