The surgery is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment and strives to achieve good practice at all times.
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present during any appointment.
Patients will be advised that a chaperone is necessary during an intimate examination. This is to safeguard the Healthcare Professional and the patient. We have trained staff for this role. Family and friends cannot act as chaperones but they can be present if you wish. If a chaperone is not available, the Healthcare Professional will ask you to make an appointment and request a chaperone at the time of booking.
Before carrying out an intimate examination, the Healthcare Professional will:
- explain to the patient why the examination is necessary and provide an opportunity to ask any questions
- explain what the examination involves, so the patient understands what to expect, including any pain or discomfort
- obtain consent from the patient and record this in the medical record
- offer the patient a chaperone
- give the patient privacy to undress and dress and keep them covered as much as possible to maintain their dignity, the Healthcare Professional will not help to remove clothing unless asked to do so by the patient or unless they have checked that help is needed
If the patient is a young person or child, the Healthcare Professional will assess their capacity to consent to the examination. If they do not have capacity, then the Healthcare Professional will ask for parental consent.
If you have any questions, please speak to Reception and further information is available in our Chaperone Policy