Chaperone Policy

This organisation is committed to providing a safe and 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.

This chaperone policy adheres to the National Clinical Governance Support Team’s Guidance on the Role and Effective Use of chaperones in Primary and Community Care settings and it is clearly advertised through patient information leaflets, website and on notice boards. Patients are encouraged to ask for a chaperone if required at the time of booking appointment wherever possible. All members of staff are aware of this chaperone policy and have received appropriate information in relation to it.

All formal chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role.

Checklist for Consultations involving intimate examinations

1. Establish there is a genuine need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the patient.

2. Explain to the patient why an examination is necessary and give the patient an opportunity to ask questions.

3. Offer a chaperone. If the patient does not want a chaperone, record that the offer was made and declined in the patient’s notes.

4. Obtain the patient’s consent before the examination and be prepared to discontinue the examination at any stage at the patient’s request.

5. Record that permission has been obtained in the patient’s notes.

6. Once the chaperone has entered the room give the patient privacy to undress and dress. Use drapes/curtains where possible to maintain dignity.

7. 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.

8. If a chaperone has been present record it and the identity of the chaperone in the patient’s notes.

9. Record any other relevant issues or concerns immediately after the consultation.

10. Remember to use the correct codes (see below) and avoid free texting this information as it will not be auditable if you do:

    Chaperone offered: 9NP0, Chaperone Present: 9NP1, Chaperone Refused: 9NP2

This policy is agreed on behalf of the above organisation.
Signed:                        Name:    Tanya Humphreys

Chaperone Policy

This organisation is committed to providing 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.

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they feel one is required. Wherever possible we would ask you to make this request at the time of booking appointment so that arrangements can be made and your appointment is not delayed in any way. Where this is not possible we will endeavour to provide a formal chaperone at the time of request. However occasionally it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment.

Your healthcare professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations in accordance with our chaperone policy.

If you would like to see a copy of our Chaperone Policy or have any questions or comments regarding this please contact the Assistant Practice Manager.

Thank you