Chaperones

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present during any examination where they feel that one is required – for example during an intimate examination.

The purpose of the chaperone is to act as a safeguard not only for the patient but also the doctor or nurse. It would be usual for a female member of staff to act as a chaperone for a female patient and likewise for a male member of staff to chaperone for a male patient.

It is recommended that this should usually be an appropriately trained member of practice staff. All members of the Nursing and Health Care Assistant team, together with some members of Reception/Secretarial/Admin staff, have appropriate training to act as chaperones. Patients are encouraged, whenever possible, to ask for a chaperone at the time of booking an appointment. This ensures that there are minimal delays during an examination, rather than having to wait for a chaperone to become available.