Patients are welcome to bring along a family member or friend when they visit the clinic. There may also be times when a formal chaperone is also required. Our reception staff have received formal training to fulfil the role of a chaperone and they understand they must:

● Be an advocate for the patient
● Reassure and support the patient
● Act as an independent witness to the examination/procedure
● Know how and to whom to report concerns.

Both patients and healthcare practitioners can request a chaperone.

Chaperone at the patient’s request:

If you would like to have a formal chaperone please make this request at the time of booking your appointment. This will help us to make the necessary arrangements. Short notice requests may mean that we have to re-schedule your appointment for a time when a chaperone can be present.

Chaperone at the practitioner’s request:

Your healthcare practitioner may also require a chaperone to be present. This might be for certain examinations or procedures in accordance with our chaperone policy. You have the right to refuse a chaperone, but if the practitioner feels that they are unable to continue without this, they may need to make alternative arrangements for you.