Chaperone Policy

At Salisbury Medical Practice, we recognise that intimate examinations can be uncomfortable or distressing, and that patients may be reassured by the presence of a trained chaperone. The clinician performing your procedure will ask you beforehand if you would like to have a chaperone present.

In addition, patients can ask to have a chaperone present for any other examinations or procedures. If you decide that you would like to have one, please inform us when you are booking the appointment so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

A chaperone is there to ensure that you are not experiencing discomfort during the examination, and for reassurance in situations where you may feel vulnerable.

A chaperone can be a clinical member of staff, such as a nurse, or a non-clinical member of staff, such as a receptionist. In the latter case, the non-clinical member of staff would have completed prior training to act as a chaperone.

We would not normally ask for a family member or friend to act as a chaperone, but this does not mean that you cannot have one with you if you feel that it would be helpful.

INDEX - Policies