Chaperones
Saltash Health Centre is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and dignified environment for all patients and staff.
A chaperone is an impartial person who can be present during an examination or procedure. Chaperones help support patients and provide reassurance during consultations, particularly when intimate examinations are required.
When Is a Chaperone Offered?
We routinely offer patients the option of a chaperone for intimate examinations and procedures. Patients may also request a chaperone for any consultation where they feel this would be helpful.
Where appropriate, clinicians may recommend that a chaperone is present in order to protect both the patient and the clinician.
Who Can Act as a Chaperone?
Our chaperones are members of the Practice team who have received appropriate training for this role.
Family members or friends may attend consultations to provide support but are not usually considered to be formal chaperones.
Children and Young People
A trained chaperone will be present during intimate examinations of children and young people under the age of 18. Parents, carers or trusted adults may also attend where appropriate.
Home Visits
Where an intimate examination may be required during a home visit, we will endeavour to arrange a chaperone where possible.
Requesting a Chaperone
Patients can request a chaperone:
- When booking an appointment.
- On arrival at the Practice.
- At any point during their consultation.
If you would like a chaperone present, please let a member of our team know and we will make every effort to arrange this.
Further Information
A copy of our full Chaperone Policy is available on request. If you have any questions regarding chaperones, please speak to a member of our reception team.