We are committed to provide 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.

The practice is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for patients and staff.

Patients are encouraged to ask for a chaperone, if required, at the time of booking their appointment.

The chaperone may be a family member or friend. At times a more formal chaperone may be required i.e. a trained member of staff.

A chaperone may be required in the following situations:

• Intimate examinations – these are examinations of the rectal, genital or breast areas
• Examinations in patients with disabilities
• Examinations of the opposite sex
• Children – children should be accompanied by a responsible adult

Checklist for consultations involving intimate examinations:

• Establish there is a genuine need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the patient.
• Explain to the patient why an examination is necessary and give the patient an opportunity to ask questions.
• Offer a chaperone. If the patient does not want a chaperone, record that the offer was made and declined in the patient’s record.
• Obtain the patients 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 record.
• Once chaperone has entered the room give the patient privacy to undress and dress. Use curtains where possible to maintain dignity.
• Explain what you are doing at each stage of the examination, the outcome when it is complete and what you propose to do next. Keep discussion relevant and avoid personal comments.
• If a chaperone has been present record that fact and the identity of the chaperone in the patient’s records.
• Record any other relevant issues or concerns immediately following the consultation.