We will always respect your privacy, dignity and your religious and cultural beliefs particularly when intimate examinations are advisable - these will only be carried out with your express agreement and you will be offered a chaperone to attend the examination if you so wish.
You may also request a chaperone when making the appointment or on arrival at the surgery (please let the receptionist know) or at any time during the consultation.
A chaperone is a fully trained member of staff who has been specifically trained in the role. Chaperones may also fulfil other roles in the practice, such as reception work, nurses or health care assistants. Chaperones are all bound by confidentiality in the way that any clinician or staff member is. The chaperone is there to provide support to you and the doctor or nurse who will be examining you. When the chaperone arrives, they will check if you have any more questions to ask of the doctor or nurse and if you are happy for the examination to take place. The chaperone will then observe the examination discreetly. This helps to remove the risk of any misunderstanding. The chaperone can help you dress and undress if required.