The practice prides itself in maintaining professional standards. For certain examinations during consultations an impartial observer (a ‘chaperone’) will be required.
This impartial observer will be a member of staff who is familiar with the procedure and be available to reassure and raise any concerns on your behalf. If a nurse is unavailable at the time of your consultation, a member of the admin team may be your chaperone. Alternatively, your examination may be re-scheduled for another time, or with a different clinician.
A chaperone is there to:
- Maintain professional boundaries during intimate examinations
- Acknowledge a patient’s vulnerability
- Provide emotional comfort and reassurance
- Assist in the examination
- Assist with undressing patients, if required
If a chaperone is required, the clinician will ask you if this is okay. You can decline an examination or choose to continue without a chaperone if you wish.
You can ask for a chaperone for any appointment or examination if one is not offered to you. If you would like a chaperone present, please inform your doctor/nurse who will be happy to arrange this for you.