During your appointment with a doctor or nurse you are welcome to ask for a chaperone, this may be one of the nursing team but if they are unavailable a member of the reception staff can chaperone with your agreement. All staff have relevant training and checks to carry out this service. Any requests for or queries relating to chaperones can be directed to the team before any appointment or with the clinician during the appointment.
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 practice nurse or health care assistant who is familiar with the procedure and be available to reassure and raise any concerns on your behalf. If a nurse in unavailable at the time of your consultation then your examination may be re-scheduled for another time.
You are free to decline any examination or chose 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
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