CHAPERONES
Introduction
This policy is designed to protect both patients and staff from abuse or allegations of abuse and to assist patients to make an informed choice about their examinations and consultations.
General Principles
Clinicians are advised to consider the need for a chaperone for any examination. If the clinician does not feel a chaperone is necessary, the patient still has the right to request one.
There are no strict criteria detailing which examinations need a chaperone, however the practice strongly recommends use of a chaperone in each of the following situations:
· All minors
· Female or child genital and breast examinations
Patients who request a chaperone should never be examined without a chaperone being present. If necessary, where a chaperone is not available, the consultation/examination should be rearranged for a mutually convenient time when a chaperone can be present.
Patients should be given adequate privacy to undress and dress.
A suitable sign advising of the option for a chaperone should be clearly displayed in reception and each clinical room.
There may be rare occasions when a chaperone is needed for a home visit. In such cases the above guidance should still be followed.
Employees Can Act as a Chaperone
Wherever possible, clinicians should be used as chaperones. Were this isn’t possible, the reception team may chaperone, provided they have the appropriate up to date DBS check. It is practice policy to arrange a DBS check for all reception staff.
Confidentiality
· The chaperone should only be present for the examination itself
· Patients should be reassured that all practice staff understand their responsibility not to divulge confidential information.
Documentation
Clinicians should document the name or initials of the chaperone, and where one was refused enter the following code:
Chaperone refused 9NP2
Raising Concerns
If chaperones or patients have concerns as to the appropriateness or conduct of examinations, they are to approach the practice manager in the first instance who will investigate the matter.
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Created by AC : 8.12.16
Review Date : 8.12.17