Chaperones

A chaperone is a trained member of our team who stays in the room during an examination or procedure. They are there to support you and the clinician.

You can ask for a chaperone for any examination, whatever your age, sex or gender. Our clinicians may also offer one, especially for intimate examinations.

How to ask for a chaperone

Tell us when you book, or ask the clinician at any time during your appointment, even if you have already started.

If a chaperone is not available straight away, we will offer to rebook your appointment for a time when one is.

What a chaperone does

• stays in the room and can see the examination

• makes sure you are comfortable and know what is happening

• keeps everything they see and hear confidential

We record in your notes whether a chaperone was offered and whether one was there.

You can also bring a relative or friend with you. They can stay with you, but they are not a chaperone.