The Practice prides itself in maintaining professional standards. You are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure and this would be a specially trained member of staff. Your healthcare professional may also require an impartial observer (a “Chaperone”) to be present for certain consultations.
This impartial observer will be a practice nurse or health care who is familiar with the procedure and be available to reassure and raise any concerns on your behalf.
You are free to decline any examination or choose an alternative examiner or chaperone. You may also request a chaperone for any examination or consultation if one is not offered to you. The GP may not undertake an examination if a chaperone is declined.
The role of a Chaperone:
- Maintains professional boundaries during intimate examinations.
- Acknowledges a patient’s vulnerability.
- Provides emotional comfort and reassurance.
- Assists in the examination.
- Assists with undressing patients, if required.
