Chaperone Statement
Green Street Green Medical Centre 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 consider one is required. The chaperone will be a Practice Nurse, Health Care Assistant or a member of our Reception team who has been fully trained to undertake this role. All trained chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role.
Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations.
There is no common definition of a chaperone and their role varies considerably depending on the needs of the patient, the healthcare professional and the examination being carried out.
Their role can be considered in any of the following areas:
- Maintaining professional boundaries during intimate examinations
- Providing emotional comfort and reassurance to patients
- Assisting in examination (e.g. during IUCD insertion)
- Assisting in undressing, if required