23/03/2026
Chaperones
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination, or procedure.
At times a healthcare professional carrying out an examination may also request a chaperone to be present if they feel it is appropriate.
What is a Chaperone?
In clinical medicine, a chaperone is an impartial observer who serves as a witness for both a patient and a healthcare professional, as a safeguard for both parties during a medical examination or procedure.
Who can act as a chaperone?
Any member of the practice team who has received appropriate training can act as a chaperone.
A patient’s relatives or friends are not considered to be an impartial observer so would not usually be a suitable chaperone, but your healthcare professional will comply with any reasonable request to have such a person present during your appointment.
What does a chaperone do?
A chaperone may support the patient with reassurance and emotional support during a procedure or examination that the patient may find embarrassing or uncomfortable.
The chaperone may also provide practical help to the healthcare professional during an examination or procedure.
Chaperones are widely used for intimate examinations.
When can you ask for a chaperone?
If you know at the time of booking your appointment that you would like to have a chaperone present, please let the receptionist know so that we can arrange one in advance.
You can also let a member of the practice team know when you arrive for your appointment, or at any point during your consultation.
For requests made on the same day as your appointment we will endeavour to provide a chaperone, however, very occasionally it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment if a chaperone is not available.
