Chaperone Policy
Policy Statement
At St David’s Family Practice, all patients will routinely be offered a chaperone, ideally at the time of booking their appointment. It is a requirement that, when necessary, chaperones are provided to protect and safeguard both patients and clinicians during intimate examinations and or procedures. Our clinical personnel are fully trained and aware of their individual responsibilities when performing chaperone duties.
At this organisation, a chaperone poster is displayed in the waiting area, all clinical areas and annotated in the organisation leaflet as well as on the organisation website.
Who can act as a chaperone?
The General Medical Council (GMC) Intimate examinations and chaperones guidance explains that the patient should be given the option of having an impartial observer (a chaperone) present whenever possible.
As per the GMC guidance, relatives or friends of the patient are not considered to be an impartial observer so would not usually be a suitable chaperone but staff at this organisation should comply with a reasonable request to have such a person present in addition to the chaperone.
When a chaperone is unavailable
The GMC further advises that if either the clinician or the patient does not want the examination to go ahead without a chaperone present, or if either is uncomfortable with the choice of chaperone, the clinician may offer to delay the examination until a later date when a suitable chaperone will be available providing the delay would not adversely affect the patient’s health.
When a patient refuses a chaperone
If the clinician does not want to proceed with the examination without a chaperone but the patient has refused a chaperone, the clinician must clearly explain why they want a chaperone to be present. The GMC states that ultimately the patient’s clinical needs must take precedence. The clinician may wish to consider referring the patient to a colleague who would be willing to examine them without a chaperone providing a delay would not adversely affect the patient’s health.
Home visits and chaperones
NHS England guidance states that patients should be offered a chaperone in advance of a home visit appointment. This will enable a chaperone to accompany the clinician during the visit. When this is not possible, clinicians must ensure there is clear communication and thorough documentation explaining why the examination proceeded without a chaperone being present and that this was agreed with the patient.
Vulnerable patients
NHS England guidance explains that when any patient is unable to make an informed decision, the healthcare professional must use their clinical judgement and be able to justify their course of action. This organisation will ensure any necessary reasonable adjustments are made for vulnerable patients.
Children and young people under 18 years
NHS England guidance states that any intimate examination on children and young people under 18 years should be carried out in the presence of a formal chaperone. A parent, carer or someone known and trusted by the child may also be present during the examination or procedure to provide reassurance. Parents or guardians must receive an appropriate explanation of the procedure to provide informed consent when the young person is unable to do so themselves.