There are occasions when patients need to be examined by a clinician which may involve intimate examinations. A chaperone provides a safeguard for patients during such an examination or consultation and protects against verbal, physical, sexual or other abuse for both patient and clinician. A clinician has the right to request a chaperone if they feel it necessary.

Dr Wilson & Partners are committed to putting patients at ease wherever possible. If you wish a chaperone to be present during an examination please do not hesitate to ask a clinician or one of our reception team. It may not be possible for such a person to be provided immediately and you may have to return for the examination to be carried out at a mutually convenient time.

Trust is important in the relationship between clinician and patient and we would at all times, wish you to feel able to ask for a chaperone. It is the policy of Dr Wilson & Partners to respect the privacy, dignity, cultural and religious beliefs of all our patients.

The Doctor should give you a clear explanation of what the examination will involve.

• Ensure you have adequate privacy to undress and dress.
• A variety of staff can act as chaperones in the Practice. Where possible, it is strongly recommended that chaperones' should be clinical staff familiar with procedural aspects of personal examinations. Where a non-clinical staff member acts as a chaperone you need to agree and be at ease with this. The member of staff will only act as a chaperone if they have received training and are comfortable in the scope and extent of their role.
• You should be reassured that all practice staff understand their responsibility not to divulge confidential information.
• You can refuse a chaperone, and if you do this will be recorded in your medical records.