Chaperone Policy
Chaperone Policy – Steph Lyons Physio
Purpose
This policy outlines the use of chaperones during consultations and examinations at Steph Lyons Physio. It aims to ensure patient comfort, dignity, and safety, while maintaining clear professional boundaries, particularly during intimate examinations such as vaginal or rectal pelvic floor assessment.
Independent Practitioner Status
- Steph Lyons Physio is an independent, sole practitioner service. A chaperone is therefore not routinely present during appointments.
- Patients will always be informed in advance if an assessment or treatment may involve an intimate examination, and explicit consent will be obtained prior to proceeding.
What is a Chaperone?
A chaperone is a person present during a consultation or examination to:
- Support patient comfort and reassurance
- Maintain dignity and privacy
- Provide an additional safeguard for both patient and clinician
- The treating clinician cannot act as a chaperone.
Types of Chaperone
Formal Chaperone
A formal chaperone is a trained healthcare professional who understands the nature of the examination and their role in maintaining safety and dignity.
Steph Lyons Physio does not routinely provide formal chaperones on-site.
If a patient requests a formal chaperone:
- This may require the appointment to be rescheduled, or
- The patient may be advised to access a service where a formal chaperone is routinely available (e.g. NHS services)
Informal Chaperone
An informal chaperone is a person chosen by the patient, such as a:
- Partner
- Friend
- Family member
Patients are welcome to bring an informal chaperone to any appointment.
Please note:
- The individual must be over 18
- They should feel comfortable with the nature of the consultation
- They are not acting in a clinical or trained capacity
Patient Choice and Consent
- Patients have the right to request a chaperone
- Patients may decline any examination or treatment at any time
- Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any stage
- Explanations will always be provided before any intimate examination
When a Chaperone is Not Present
Where a chaperone is not present:
- The examination will be clearly explained in advance
- Verbal consent will be obtained
- Patient comfort, dignity, and privacy will remain a priority
Clinician Use of a Chaperone
Steph Lyons Physio reserves the right to:
- Recommend or request the presence of a chaperone in certain situations
- Decline or postpone an examination if appropriate safeguards are not in place
Documentation
In line with guidance from Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Health and Care Professions Council and NHS England:
- The offer of a chaperone will be documented in the clinical notes
- The patient’s acceptance or decline will be recorded
- If present, the name and role/relationship of the chaperone will be documented
Summary
- Chaperones are not routinely present due to independent practice
- Patients can bring an informal chaperone
- Formal chaperones are not routinely available and may require rescheduling
- Consent, dignity, and patient choice are central to all care
- All chaperone discussions are documented in clinical records