Chaperones

Chaperone Leaflet

Alchester Medical Group is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that the best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance. 

Some consultations and treatments, particularly where they involve intimate parts of the body and states of undress, can make patients feel vulnerable. 

The presence of a chaperone may assist in supporting and reassuring you during a consultation. 

The healthcare professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations in accordance with our Chaperone Policy.

What to expect

You should expect to be offered a chaperone for any intimate examinations that are requested as part of your treatment plan. You can request a chaperone is present during any health interaction that you feel uncomfortable with.

Expect the role of the chaperone to be clearly explained to you and the person introduced to you by the health professional who is to undertake the health care examination.

The role of the chaperone will be clearly explained to you. The chaperone will be introduced to you by the health professional who is carrying out the consultation. 

Who can be a chaperone?

A member of staff can be a chaperone, such as a nurse, HCA or other trained non-clinical staff member.

Can a family member act as a chaperone?

Your family member can not act as a formal chaperone. You can however request that a member of your family or a friend be present as an informal chaperone during the examination or procedure. A situation where this may not be appropriate is where a child is asked to act as a chaperone for a parent undergoing an intimate
examination.

Can I refuse a chaperone?

You have the right to refuse that a particular person is a chaperone; in this instance a member of staff will document the reasons for your refusal and your consultation will be reviewed. 

What is the chaperones responsibility?

• Ensure that conduct is sensitive and respectful of your dignity and confidentiality
• To reassure you if you are distressed or experiencing discomfort and to communicate this to the member of staff undertaking the procedure
• Ensure that they can communicate with you in a way that you can understand

What if a chaperone cannot be offered?

If in the unlikely event a chaperone cannot be offered because of staff availability then expect to be informed. You may be asked in this instance if you would consent to proceeding with the interaction in the absence of a chaperone.

Please speak to a member of staff if you have any questions regarding a chaperone.