Chaperone policy

Chaperone Policy

Strand Medical D3

Last updated: December 2025

Strand Medical D3 is committed to providing safe, respectful, and dignified care for all patients. This policy explains the availability and use of chaperones during consultations and examinations.

1. What Is a Chaperone?

A chaperone is a trained member of practice staff who is present during a consultation or examination to support patient dignity, comfort, and safety, and to assist in maintaining professional boundaries.

2. When a Chaperone May Be Offered?

A chaperone may be offered or recommended for examinations that are considered intimate or where either the patient or clinician feels it would be appropriate. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Breast, genital, or rectal examinations

  • Any examination where a patient feels vulnerable or uncomfortable

The presence of a chaperone is intended to support both patients and clinicians.

3. Your Right to a Chaperone

  • Patients have the right to request a chaperone for any consultation or examination

  • Patients may decline a chaperone if one is offered

  • Where a chaperone is declined, this will be respected wherever possible

A patient’s decision regarding a chaperone will not affect their care.

4. Availability of Chaperones

  • Chaperones are usually members of the practice staff

  • We will make reasonable efforts to provide a chaperone on request

  • If a chaperone is not available, the examination may be postponed unless it is clinically urgent

5. Role of the Chaperone

The chaperone’s role includes:

  • Being present throughout the examination

  • Respecting patient confidentiality and dignity

  • Providing reassurance where appropriate

  • Acting as an impartial observer

6. Documentation

The use of a chaperone will be documented in the patient’s medical record, including:

  • Whether a chaperone was offered

  • Whether it was accepted or declined

  • The name or role of the chaperone (where appropriate)

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

All chaperones are bound by confidentiality obligations and receive appropriate guidance in line with practice policy.

8. Cultural and Personal Considerations

We recognise that cultural, religious, or personal factors may influence a patient’s preferences regarding chaperones. We aim to accommodate reasonable requests wherever possible.

9. Concerns or Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or about the use of a chaperone, please speak to a member of the practice team.