Our Practice is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times. We will always respect your privacy, dignity and your religious and cultural beliefs. The safety of everyone is important.

All medical consultations, examinations and investigations are potentially distressing. Patients can find examinations, investigations or photography involving the breasts, genitalia or rectum particularly intrusive (these examinations are collectively referred to as ‘intimate examinations’). Consultations involving dimmed lights, the need for patients to undress or periods of being touched may also make a patient feel vulnerable.

Chaperoning is the process of having a third person present during such consultations. A chaperone has a number of roles.

• To provide support, both emotional and sometimes physical, to the patient.
• To provide practical support to the doctor as required.
• To protect the doctor and patient against allegations of improper behaviour during such consultations.

A chaperone will be offered for any intimate examination. You may also request a chaperone when making the appointment, on arrival at the surgery (please let the receptionist know) or at any time during the consultation.