Chaperones
Last Updated: Friday, 10 November 2023Chaperones overview
If you would like a chaperone at your appointment please let us know when you arrive.
For appointments involving intimate examinations the clinician will offer you the choice of having a chaperone present.
What is a chaperone?
A chaperone is an impartial observer present during an intimate examination of a patient. They will usually be a trained (but not necessarily medically qualified) member of staff who is familiar with the procedures involved in the examination. The chaperone will usually be the same sex as the patient.
A family member or a friend is not an impartial observer and so cannot act as a chaperone.
Intimate examinations
Intimate examinations are examinations of the breast, genitalia and rectum. However, some patients may regard any examination in which the doctor needs to touch or be very close to them as intimate.
Chaperone's role
A chaperone is there for the patient. Their role is to:
- reassure the patient if they experience distress
- protect the patient's dignity and confidentiality at all times
- offer emotional support at an embarrassing or uncomfortable time
A chaperone also provides a safeguard for both patient and doctor, and can discourage unfounded allegations of improper behaviour.