The Bay Medical 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 and the safety
of everyone is of paramount importance.
This Chaperone Policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy –i.e.:-
‘NCGST Guidance on the role and effective use of chaperones in Primary and Community Care
settings’.
The Chaperone Policy is clearly advertised on our website (when available) and can be read at
the Practice upon request. A Poster is also displayed in the every consulting room. (See example
in Annex A).
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or
procedure where they consider one is required. The chaperone may be a family member or
friend, but on occasions a formal chaperone may be preferred.
Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if
possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The
Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations.
All staff are aware of and have received appropriate information in relation to this Chaperone
Policy.
All trained chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform
that role.
There is no common definition of a chaperone and their role varies considerably depending on
the needs of the patient, the healthcare professional and the examination being carried out.
Their role can be considered in any of the following areas:
- Emotional comfort and reassurance to patients
- Assist in examination (e.g. during IUCD insertion)
- Assist in undressing
- Act as interpreter
- Protection to the healthcare professional against allegations / attack)
Checklist for consultations involving intimate examinations
• Chaperones are most often required or requested where a male examiner is carrying out
an intimate examination or procedure on a female patient, but the designation of the
chaperone will depend on the role expected of them, whether participating in the
procedure or providing a supportive role.
• Establish there is a genuine need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the
patient and whether a formal chaperone (such as a nurse) is needed.
• Explain to the patient why an examination is necessary and give the patient an
opportunity to ask questions. The chaperone would normally be the same sex as the
patient and the patient will have the opportunity to decline a particular person as a
chaperone, if that person is considered not acceptable for any reason.
• Offer a chaperone or invite the patient to have a family member / friend present.
• If the patient does not want a chaperone, record that the offer was made and declined in
the patient’s notes.
• Obtain the patient’s consent before the examination and be prepared to discontinue the
examination at any stage at the patient’s request.
• Record that permission has been obtained in the patient’s notes.
• Once the chaperone has entered the room, they should be introduced by name and the
patient allowed privacy to undress / dress. Use drapes / curtains where possible to
maintain dignity. There should be no undue delay prior to examination once the patient
has removed any clothing.
• Explain what is being done at each stage of the examination, the outcome when it is
complete and what is proposed to be done next. Keep discussion relevant and avoid
personal comment.
• If a chaperone has been present, record that fact and the identity of the chaperone in the
patient’s notes.
• During the examination, the chaperone may be needed to offer reassurance, remain alert
to any indication of distress but should be courteous at all times.
• Record any other relevant issues or concerns in the patient’s notes, immediately
following the consultation.
• Chaperones should only attend the part of the consultation that is necessary – other
verbal communication should be carried out when the chaperone has left.
• Any request that the examination be discontinued should be respected.
• Healthcare professionals should note that they are at an increased risk of their actions
being misconstrued or misrepresented, if they conduct intimate examinations where no
other person is present.
Annex A
Chaperones
It is our policy to respect the privacy
and dignity of our patients.
If you would like a chaperone to be
present during a physical
examination/consultation,
or
if you would prefer to be examined
by a health professional of the same
gender as yourself, please let us
know and we will do our best to
comply with your wishes.