Alton Surgery

CHAPERONE POLICY

This practice is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment and strives to achieve good practice at all times.

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present during any consultation, examination or procedure. Clinicians at this practice will advise patients a chaperone is necessary during any intimate examination; this is to safeguard both the clinician and you, the patient.

Where a chaperone is not available, the clinician will ask you to make an appointment and request the presence of a chaperone at the time of booking.

We only use clinical staff as chaperones as they have had the appropriate training and have knowledge of the examination or procedure you may be undergoing.

Family and friends are not permitted to act as chaperones as they do not have the knowledge required nor have they had the necessary training.

The role of the chaperone varies on a case by case basis, taking into consideration the need of the patient and the examination or procedure being carried out. A chaperone is present as a safeguard for all parties and is a witness to continuing consent of the examination or procedure.  Chaperones may be expected to:

• provide emotional comfort and reassurance to patients
• to assist in the examination (handing equipment to clinicians)
• assist with undressing the patient
• provide protection for the clinician (against unfounded allegations or attack)
• witness the procedure (ensuring it is appropriately conducted)
• if applicable act as an interpreter

Should you wish to see the full chaperone policy please ask at Reception.

If you have any questions, please speak to the reception staff who will direct you to an appropriate member of the team.