There are occasions when patients need to be examined by a clinician that may involve intimate examinations. A chaperone provides a safeguard for patients during such an examination or consultation and protects against verbal, physical, sexual or other abuse for both patient and clinician. A clinician has the right to request a chaperone if they feel it necessary.
This practice is committed to putting patients at ease wherever possible. If you wish a chaperone to be present during an examination, please do not hesitate to ask a clinician. It may not be possible for such a person to be provided immediately and you may have to return for the examination to be carried out at a mutually convenient time.
Trust is important in the relationship between clinician and patient and we would at all times wish you to feel able to ask for a chaperone. It is the policy of this practice to respect the privacy, dignity, cultural and religious beliefs of our patients.