Chaparone Policy

Chiddingfold Surgery is committed to providing a comfortable, professional environment where the safety of patients and staff is of paramount importance.

We understand that patients may sometimes feel apprehensive regarding physical examinations, particularly when these are of in intimate nature.  It is very important to us that our patients are safe, and experience as little distress or discomfort as possible.

Equally health professionals are at a potential risk of their actions being misconstrued or misrepresented if they conduct examinations where no third party is present. Clinicians have a professional responsibility to minimise the risk of false accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

 

For these reasons, staff at Chiddingfold Surgery work within the following guidance;

•   If an intimate examination is required, your clinician will discuss this with you. They will explain why the examination is necessary and give you an opportunity to ask questions.

•   A chaperone will be offered routinely for all intimate examinations (or examinations that may be construed as such).

•   If a chaperone is declined the doctor will record this in your medical notes.

•   The clinician will always obtain your consent before undertaking an examination, and will be prepared to stop the examination or procedure at any stage at your request.

•   When required chaperoning will be provided by trained members of our clinical and administrative staff. The clinician will record in your notes the name of the chaperone. The chaperone will stand inside the curtains, usually at the head of the couch and remain for the full duration of the examination.

•   The chaperone will record an entry in your notes at the end of the examination, recording that there were either no problems or giving details of any concerns arising.

•   If there is not a chaperone available, the examination will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time, unless it is an emergency situation where the clinician may be required to use some discretion. This would always be discussed with you.

•   If a chaperone is declined, but the doctor feels that one is necessary the clinician may not be able to proceed with your examination on that day. It may be appropriate to reschedule, with another clinician.

•   We will endeavour to respect religious and cultural preferences, in relation to examination. Please inform us of anything that you feel is important to you in this regard.

•   Please be assured that all staff involved in your care at our surgery understand their responsibilities in relation to confidentiality (please see our practice policy regarding this). All chaperones have been trained and hold an enhanced DBS check.