Our Practice is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment, where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times. The safety of everyone is of paramount importance.
All medical consultations, examinations and investigations are potentially distressing for some patients. Patients can find intimate examinations particularly intrusive.
We recognise that patients may feel vulnerable if examination requires them to undress or exposure a more intimate area.
We will always offer a chaperone to patients requiring intimate examinations, or if requested. This involves having an additional clinical staff member present during such consultations. This can provide support, both emotional and sometimes physical, to the patient. They may also provide practical support to the clinician.
Some clinicians may only perform an intimate examination if an appropriate chaperone is present. A chaperone is usually another clinical staff member eg. nurse practitioner, practice nurse, healthcare assistant or health professional