Chaperone Policy
Chaperone Policy
Last updated: 2 September 2026
1. Our commitment
We are committed to protecting every patient’s dignity, privacy, comfort and safety.
A chaperone is an appropriately trained person who is present during a consultation, examination, clinical photograph or procedure to support the patient and clinician and help ensure that professional standards are maintained.
Patients may request a chaperone for any appointment. A request will not adversely affect the care offered.
2. When a chaperone will be offered
A chaperone will normally be offered where:
- an intimate examination or procedure is proposed;
- clothing needs to be removed or adjusted;
- clinical photographs are being taken;
- the patient or clinician requests one;
- the consultation involves sensitive or potentially distressing matters;
- cultural or communication considerations make a chaperone appropriate;
- the patient is under 18;
- the patient may be vulnerable or may have difficulty understanding, communicating or giving consent; or
- the clinician considers that a chaperone would support safe and professional care.
An intimate examination can include examination of the breasts, genitalia or rectum, as well as any examination that the patient regards as intimate or sensitive.
3. The patient’s choice
Before an intimate examination, the clinician will explain:
- why the examination is necessary;
- what it will involve;
- which areas need to be examined;
- whether discomfort is likely;
- that the patient may ask questions; and
- that the patient may pause or stop the examination at any time.
The patient may accept or decline a chaperone. Their decision will be respected and recorded.
A patient may ask for a chaperone of a particular sex. We will make reasonable efforts to meet that request, although immediate availability cannot be guaranteed.
If a suitable chaperone is unavailable and the examination is not urgent, the appointment may be rearranged.
A clinician may also require a chaperone as a condition of proceeding. If the patient does not agree, the clinician may postpone a non-urgent examination and discuss alternative arrangements.
4. Who may act as a formal chaperone
A formal chaperone will normally be a trained healthcare professional or another appropriately trained member of staff who:
- understands the purpose and boundaries of the role;
- can maintain confidentiality;
- can observe the examination appropriately;
- knows how to raise a concern; and
- has no conflict of interest.
A relative, friend or carer may attend to provide emotional support if the patient wishes and the clinician agrees.
That person will not normally replace a trained formal chaperone where one is clinically or professionally required.
An interpreter should not normally perform both roles unless appropriately trained and it is safe and suitable for them to do so.
5. During the examination
The chaperone will:
- be introduced to the patient and have their role explained;
- remain able to observe the examination where appropriate;
- preserve the patient’s dignity and privacy;
- support communication between the patient and clinician;
- assist only within their competence; and
- report any concern through the appropriate safeguarding or governance process.
The patient will be given privacy to undress and dress and will be kept covered as far as reasonably possible. Only the area necessary for examination or treatment will be exposed.
Consent is an ongoing process. The patient may withdraw consent or ask for the examination to stop at any time.
6. Children and young people
A formal chaperone will normally be present for an intimate examination of a person under 18.
A parent or person with parental responsibility may also attend where appropriate, but their presence will not usually replace a trained chaperone.
The clinician will consider the young person’s capacity, wishes, confidentiality, best interests and safeguarding needs.
Any concern about coercion, abuse or exploitation will be managed under safeguarding procedures.
7. Adults who may be vulnerable
Additional care will be taken where a patient may have impaired capacity, communication needs, cognitive impairment, a learning disability, a history of trauma or another vulnerability.
Reasonable adjustments may include additional explanation, more time, an interpreter or advocate, and attendance by a carer or representative.
Decisions will be made in accordance with applicable capacity, equality, confidentiality and safeguarding law.
8. Remote consultations
A patient may ask for a trusted person to be present during a video or telephone consultation. Everyone present should identify themselves at the beginning of the consultation.
Remote consultations are not suitable for every examination.
A patient will not be asked to expose an intimate area by video unless this is clinically justified, consented to, appropriately safeguarded and consistent with professional guidance. An in-person examination may be required.
9. Confidentiality
Chaperones and staff must protect patient confidentiality.
Information will be shared only where necessary for care, where the patient has agreed, or where disclosure is required or permitted by law, including to address a safeguarding concern.
10. Record keeping
The clinical record will normally state:
- that a chaperone was offered;
- whether the offer was accepted or declined;
- the chaperone’s name and role;
- the nature of the examination or procedure;
- relevant consent and any limitations;
- any request that could not be accommodated; and
- any concerns or action taken.
11. Arranging a chaperone
If you know in advance that you would like a chaperone, please tell us when booking so that suitable arrangements can be made.
If a chaperone is requested without advance notice, we will try to provide one. If no suitable person is available and the matter is not urgent, the appointment or examination may need to be rearranged.
12. Concerns or complaints
If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of an examination, please tell the clinician or chaperone immediately if you feel able to do so.
Concerns or complaints may also be sent to:
Georgina Williams Plastic Surgery Limited
19 West Eaton Place
London
SW1X 8LT
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 7748 856893
Email: joel@georginawilliamsplasticsurgery.com
Making a complaint will not adversely affect your care.
