Chaperone Policy

Chaperone Policy

1. Purpose

This policy ensures that patients undergoing intimate examinations are treated with dignity, respect, and safety, while also protecting staff from potential misunderstandings or allegations.

It supports patient choice, safe clinical practice, and compliance with national guidance.

2. Definitions

Chaperone: A trained, impartial individual present during an examination to safeguard the patient and provide reassurance.

Intimate Examination: Includes examination of the breasts, genitalia, or rectum, or any examination perceived as intimate by the patient.

3. Scope

Applies to all staff, including permanent employees, locums, students, agency staff, and contractors.

4. Policy Statement

A chaperone must be offered for all intimate examinations and the offer must be documented.

Patients may accept, decline, or request a specific gender chaperone.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Patients have the right to request or decline a chaperone and to be treated with dignity.

Clinicians must explain procedures, obtain consent, offer a chaperone, and document all relevant details.

Chaperones must be trained, maintain confidentiality, and raise concerns if necessary.

The Practice Manager ensures training, compliance, and policy updates.

6. Special Circumstances

• Children: A chaperone is always required.
• Patients lacking capacity: Consent must be obtained from a legal representative.
• Declined chaperone: Must be documented; clinician decides whether to proceed.
• No chaperone available: Delay unless urgent, with full documentation if proceeding.
• Friends or relatives may accompany but do not replace a trained chaperone.

7. Documentation Requirements

Records must include consent, whether a chaperone was offered and accepted or declined, and the name of the chaperone where present.

8. Training

Training is mandatory at induction and refreshed regularly.

9. Monitoring

This policy is monitored through complaints, incidents, and audits.

10. Equality and Diversity

Supports cultural sensitivity, gender preferences, and reducing distress during examinations.

11. References

GMC guidance, CQC guidance, NHS England Sexual Safety Charter (2025), Equality Act 2010, Mental Capacity Act 2005.