If you feel you would like a chaperone present at your consultation please inform your doctor/nurse who will be happy to arrange this for you.
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 healthcare assistant who is familiar with the procedure and be available to reassure and raise any concerns on your behalf. If a nurse is 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 choose 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