What is a chaperone?
A chaperone is an impartial person who is present during intimate examinations or procedures. They will be an appropriately trained member of the clinical team working within the department. They will help to maintain your privacy and dignity when being examined by a healthcare professional. A relative, friend, or carer may be present to provide emotional support; however, they cannot act as your formal chaperone.
Why do I need a chaperone?
Chaperones are there to provide you with practical and emotional support. They also safeguard both you and the clinician completing the examination or procedure. Most regulatory frameworks for clinicians outline that a chaperone should be present for intimate examinations.
What will the chaperone do?
This may vary depending on the type of examination or procedure being undertaken. It may be as simple as being in the room observing or they may assist you with getting into position for the exam. We will explain this to you before and during the examination.
Will they understand what is going on?
Yes. The chaperone may already be familiar with the procedure, and the clinician will explain the procedure to both you and the chaperone.
Is a chaperone compulsory?
Our policy is to offer a chaperone to all patients. A chaperone must be present for anyone under the age of 16 or for individuals who are unable to provide informed consent.Adults who have the capacity to make an informed decision may choose to decline a chaperone. The clinician will discuss this decision with you
in the presence of another member of staff, and the discussion will be documented in your clinical records.
You may change your mind and request a chaperone at any stage of the procedure. If you decide that you would like a chaperone present, please inform the clinician as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Declining a chaperone for this examination or procedure will not affect your right to be offered a chaperone for any future examination or procedure. If you, or the person you are supporting, lack the capacity to make an informed decision, the clinician will assess this at the time of the examination or procedure. Any decisions regarding the use of a chaperone will be made in accordance with local policy, legal requirements, and the individual’s best interests.
Can I choose who the chaperone is?
Yes: It is important that you are comfortable with the chaperone. You can specify whether you would like a male or female chaperone. If a chaperone is not readily available you have the right to reschedule your appointment to accommodate this.
Questions?
If you have any questions about or there is anything you don’t understand about this leaflet please contact the consultant or team named on your referral letter. You can also speak to your clinician or another member of the team at the time of your appointment.
Share your feedback
Our staff are committed to providing a positive experience for all of our patients and their relatives. We are keen to hear your feedback about the service we provide and encourage all patients to complete our Family and Friends Test.
Ask a member of staff or find the survey using this QR Code.
If you are unhappy about any aspect of your care from the team
on the day of your visit please ask to speak to the Nurse in
charge. Alternatively, you can discuss any concerns with our
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who can be
contacted on 0800 073 0510.
If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on (01384) 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.
This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.
Author: Safeguarding Team
Document No: DGH/PIL/02245 – Version No: 01
Review Date: July 2029 – Expiry Date: Oct 2029