Who can request a chaperone?
Any patient can request a chaperone at any time, but in particular if any intimate examination is to take place.
Notices are present in reception and in consulting rooms reminding patients they are entitled to a chaperone at any time.
If a patient knows that they may need an intimate examination such as a breast or genitalia in particular, they should be given the choice of which doctor or nurse that they see and the option of a chaperone when they book the appointment.
Clinical staff may also request a chaperone, if one has not already been requested by the patient, should they need to undertake an intimate examination or if the patient feels particularly vulnerable.
This applies to a male or female doctor and a male or female patient.
If a chaperone is not available, or if the patient is uncomfortable in any way, another appointment can be offered at a different time with a different clinician.
What is a chaperone for?
The sole purpose of the chaperone is to ensure that there is no inappropriate behaviour on the part of the examining nurse or doctor, and that the conduct of the patient is also appropriate.
The chaperone should be either a clinical member of staff or another member of staff who has had training.
They are entitled to stop the examination at any point if they feel that there is any inappropriate behaviour from either party.
In this instance the practice manager should be notified immediately and the appropriate steps taken to deal with the situation.