Our Practice is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times; the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.
All medical consultations, examinations and investigations are potentially distressing. Patients can find examinations, investigations or photography involving the breasts, genitalia or rectum particularly intrusive (these examinations are collectively referred to as ‘intimate examinations’). Consultations involving dimmed or directional lights, the need for patients to undress or intensive periods of being touched may also make a patient feel vulnerable.
Chaperoning is the process of having a third person present during such consultations to provide support, both emotional and sometimes physical, to the patient and to provide practical support to the Doctor as required.
As patients may find some consultations, examinations, investigations or procedures distressing, they may prefer to have a chaperone (or impartial observer) present in order to support them or they may wish to decline that support. Some patients may require a chaperone for other examinations too. For example, particularly vulnerable patients, or those who have suffered abuse, may need a chaperone for examinations where it is necessary to touch or be close to them.
Patients have the option to request a chaperone during any examination or consultation. A chaperone is present to provide reassurance, protect patient dignity, and support a safe and comfortable environment for both patients and staff. Clinical staff, or trained non-clinical staff may act as chaperones. Patients will be informed of the examination details beforehand and given privacy to undress and dress. If a chaperone isn’t available when requested, the appointment may be rescheduled.