Chaperone Policy

Policy statement

At St Lawrence Surgery, all patients will routinely be offered a chaperone. It is a requirement that, when necessary, chaperones are provided to protect and safeguard both patients and clinicians during intimate examinations or procedures. This policy adheres to the guidance detailed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

To raise awareness, the chaperone policy will be clearly advertised. At this organisation, a chaperone poster is displayed in the waiting areas and on waiting room screens, as well as on the organisation website.

Status

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we have considered how provisions within this policy might impact on different groups and individuals. This document and any procedures contained within it are non-contractual, which means they may be modified or withdrawn at any time. They apply to all employees and contractors working for the organisation.

Policy

Who can act as a chaperone

At this organisation, it is policy that any member of the clinical team can act as a chaperone. All chaperones must complete chaperone awareness training which covers the role of the chaperone. Additionally, members of the Patient Services Team can undertake chaperone duties but they must have had DBS clearance first (this will usually be arranged upon completion of probation). Clinical staff who undertake a chaperone role at this organisation will already have a DBS check.

General guidance

The General Medical Council (GMC) explains that the patient should be given the option of having an impartial observer (a chaperone) present whenever possible.

As per the GMC guidance, relatives or friends of the patient are not considered to be an impartial observer so would not usually be a suitable chaperone but staff at this organisation should comply with a reasonable request to have such a person present in addition to the chaperone.

When a chaperone is present, the details of the chaperone must be recorded in the patient’s clinical record.

Role and expectations of a chaperone

Staff at this organisation acting as a chaperone are to adhere to the CQC guidance which advises that for most patients and procedures, respect, explanation, consent and privacy are all that are needed. These take precedence over the need for a chaperone. A chaperone does not remove the need for adequate explanation and courtesy. Neither can a chaperone provide full assurance that the procedure or examination is conducted appropriately.

When a chaperone is unavailable

The GMC further advises that if either the clinician or the patient does not want the examination to go ahead without a chaperone present, or if either is uncomfortable with the choice of chaperone, the clinician may offer to delay the examination until a later date when a suitable chaperone will be available providing the delay would not adversely affect the patient’s health.

When a patient refuses a chaperone

If the clinician does not want to proceed with the examination without a chaperone but the patient has refused a chaperone, the clinician must clearly explain why they want a chaperone to be present. The GMC states that ultimately the patient’s clinical needs must take precedence. The clinician may wish to consider referring the patient to a colleague who would be willing to examine them without a chaperone providing a delay would not adversely affect the patient’s health.

Using chaperones during a video consultation

While it is widely accepted that many intimate examinations will not be suitable for a video consultation, should such a consultation be agreed, staff at this organisation are to adhere to CQC guidance.

Home visits and chaperones

NHS England guidance states that patients should be offered a chaperone in advance of a home visit appointment. This will enable a chaperone to accompany the clinician during the visit. When this is not possible, clinicians must ensure there is clear communication and thorough documentation explaining why the examination proceeded without a chaperone being present and that this was agreed with the patient.

Vulnerable patients

NHS England guidance explains that when any patient is unable to make an informed decision, the healthcare professional must use their clinical judgement and be able to justify their course of action. This organisation will ensure any necessary reasonable adjustments are made for vulnerable patients.