A chaperone is another healthcare professional who can observe your physical or intimate examination.
A chaperone safeguards you and your clinician by:
- protecting your privacy and dignity
- preventing any misunderstanding between you and your clinician
You can decide that you don’t want a chaperone, but your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional may decide to stop the procedure or examination going ahead.
We will always offer a chaperone if your appointment involves:
- the need to undress
- the use of dimmed lights
- examination of your breasts, genitalia or bottom
We will make sure you are happy with the choice of chaperone before inviting them into the clinic room. During the appointment, the chaperone will stand where they can see your examination.
Children cannot be chaperones for adults, and they cannot be present during intimate examinations or procedures.
You can also request a chaperone for an appointment even if it does not involve an intimate examination. This can be a relative, friend or carer that attends the appointment with you. Alternatively, we can provide a chaperone.
If you would like a chaperone, please try to let us know about this at the point of booking your appointment. If we are not able to provide a chaperone at the time of your appointment, we will rearrange for a time that this can be facilitated.