We want you to feel safe and comfortable during your care. If you are having an intimate examination or any examination where you would prefer another member of staff to be present, you can ask for a trained chaperone.
A chaperone is a trained member of our team who is there to:
• support and reassure you
• help you feel at ease
• protect your privacy and dignity
• act as an independent witness during an examination
When will a chaperone be offered?
A chaperone will be offered for intimate examinations, and may also be offered for other physical examinations where appropriate.
Your clinician will explain:
• why the examination is needed
• what it will involve
• the role of the chaperone
Asking for a chaperone
You can request a chaperone for any examination. If possible, please let us know when you book your appointment so we can arrange this in advance. If you ask on the day, we will do our best to provide one, but this may occasionally mean your appointment needs to be rearranged. You may also tell us if you have a preference for a male or female chaperone, and we will try to accommodate this where possible.
If you do not want a chaperone
You have the right to decline a chaperone. This decision will be respected and recorded in your medical notes. In some situations, a clinician may feel it is not appropriate to proceed without a chaperone. If this happens, they will discuss this with you and may suggest rebooking your appointment.
Who can be a chaperone?
Chaperones are trained members of our practice team, such as:
• nurses
• healthcare assistants
• doctors or other trained staff
Friends or family members cannot act as formal chaperones.
Children and young people
For patients under 18 having an intimate examination, a trained practice chaperone will always be present. A parent or carer may also attend if appropriate.
If you have any questions or would like to request a chaperone, please speak to our reception team when booking your appointment.
