Chaperone Policy
Purpose of this policy
This policy sets out First Line Physio’s procedures for the use of chaperones for patient consultations and treatment as First Line Physio is committed to provide a comfortable and safe environment to its employees and patients.
The purpose of a chaperone
Chaperoning involves a patient having a third person in attendance during their consultation or treatment. This may be for a number of reasons including providing emotional or physical support to the patient. If a patient requires a chaperone during their consultation or treatment, they are advised to let us know when booking the appointment.
Instances where a chaperone may be needed
When a consultation/examination involves close proximity.
When the patient is particularly vulnerable or at risk.
To assist the patient with undressing.
To protect us during the patient consultation.
A patient may have certain religious or cultural beliefs.
Who can be a chaperone?
It is possible have a family member or friend as the chaperone but do let us know when you are booking your appointment.
In the case of a child, a chaperone would normally be a parent, guardian or carer.
In the case of a patient with a mental health condition or learning difficulties that affect capacity, a family member or carer would normally be present.
If a patient feels they would like a chaperone but do not have someone they are able to bring with them, they should make this known when booking the appointment so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Our chaperones are deemed impartial, competent in the chaperone role, understand their responsibilities and have been DBS checked.
Documenting the chaperone’s attendance
If we offer a chaperone to a patient and they refuse, this will be noted in the patient’s records.
We will record the patient’s consent to the chaperone in their records.
The patient will have complete privacy to undress and we will introduce our chaperone to the patient as soon as they enter the consulting room.
The chaperone will only be present during the patient’s visit as is necessary.
The presence and identity of the chaperone will be recorded in the patient’s records.
Our chaperone will be at all times polite and courteous and can offer emotional support during the patient’s visit.
What happens if an incident is witnessed
If either a patient or an employee witnesses an incident during a patient’s visit, this will be reported immediately to Katie Gosling. This can be done via email to katie@firstlinephysio.co.uk, or by phone on 01242 360036.