H O M E

 

Elliott Hall Medical Centre

 

Chaperone Policy

 

This organisation is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.

 

This chaperone policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy, some of which is detailed in the National Clinical Governance Support team document “Guidance on the role

and effective use of chaperones in primary and community care settings”.

 

The chaperone policy is clearly advertised on noticeboards in the practice and on the website www.ehmc.co.uk .

 

Patients are encouraged to ask for a chaperone, if required, at the time of booking the appointment wherever possible.

 

All staff are aware of, and have received appropriate information in relation to, this chaperoning policy.

 

All formal chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role.

 

Checklist for Consultations involving intimate examinations
  1. Establish there is a genuine need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the patient.
  2. Explain to the patient why an examination is necessary and give the patient an opportunity to ask questions.
  3. Offer a chaperone or invite the patient to have a family member/friend present. If the patient does not want a chaperone, record in the patient’s notes that the offer was made and declined.
  4. Obtain the patient’s consent before the examination and be prepared to discontinue the examination at any stage at the patient’s request.
  5. Record in the patient’s notes that permission has been obtained.
  6. Once chaperone has entered the room, give the patient privacy to undress and dress. Use drapes where possible to maintain dignity.
  7. Explain what you are doing at each stage of the examination, the outcome when it is complete, and what you propose to do next. Keep discussion relevant and avoid personal comments.
  8. If a chaperone has been present, record that fact and the identity of the chaperone in the patient’s notes.
  9. Record any other relevant issues or concerns immediately following the consultation.

  

This policy is agreed on behalf of the above organisation.

 

 

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Chaperone Policy Patient Notification

 

Chaperone Policy

 

This organisation is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.

 

All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure if they feel one is required. This chaperone may be a family member or friend. On occasions you may prefer a formal chaperone to be present i.e. a trained member of staff.

 

Wherever possible, we would ask you to make this request at the time of booking the appointment so that arrangements can be made and your appointment is not delayed in any way. Where this is not possible we will endeavour to provide a formal chaperone at the time of request. However, occasionally it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment.

 

Your healthcare professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations in accordance with our chaperone policy.

 

If you would like to see a copy of our Chaperone Policy or have any questions or comments regarding this, please contact the Practice Manager, Rupa Yagnik.