A friend or relative of the patient is an inadequate chaperone – they are neither trained nor independent; however, in reality the clinician may well appropriately feel that their presence will reduce the risk of allegations and may therefore allow an examination to proceed even if a chaperone is offered and declined; but a chaperone should still be ‘offered’.
An appropriate chaperone is a nurse, HCA, or member of the Patient Services team; who have been trained appropriately and have a DBS check – both are requirements for them to be a chaperone.
The chaperone should be the same sex as the patient; otherwise, the patient’s anxiety and risk of allegation will increase. Every effort should be made to provide same sex chaperone as the patient but if this is not possible and explanation to the patient must ne made and if necessary, the examination deferred.
You can download a copy of our chaperone policy here