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All medical consultations, examinations and investigations are potentially distressing. Patients can find examinations and investigations involving the breasts, genitalia or rectum particularly intrusive. These examinations are called “intimate examinations”. A chaperone is an impartial observer present during an intimate examination of a patient. Chaperones are to protect both patients and staff.
Cultural factors should also be considered. This is important when examinations are performed by members of the opposite sex. In addition, children and young people should be provided with chaperones. We will always for all our patients for any examination ensure there is respect, explanation, consent and privacy but we also offer a chaperone for all intimate examinations.
You can request a chaperone when booking a consultation (as well as during a consultation) for yourself or your child.
What does a chaperone do?
As the General Medical Council suggest
“A chaperone should usually be a health professional (not necessarily medically trained) and will:
What if a chaperone is not available?
The Medical protection society covers a number of different scenarios
There may be occasions when a chaperone is unavailable. In such circumstances, the doctor will consider whether or not on a clinical basis the examination is urgent.
What will be recorded in your notes?
The practice will record and code in your medical records when a chaperone is offered:
From the General Medical Council (GMC)
Intimate examinations and chaperones (summary) Intimate examinations and chaperones – summary – GMC
From the Medical Defence Union (MDU)
Guide to chaperones Guide to chaperones – The MDU
From the Medical Protection Society (MPS)
Chaperones Chaperones
From the Care Quality Commissioner (CQC)
The Care Quality Commissioner (CQC) home page Care Quality Commission