What is a chaperone?

A chaperone can be defined as ‘an independent person, appropriately trained, whose role is to independently observe the examination/procedure undertaken by the doctor/health professional to assist the appropriate doctor-patient relationship’. The importance of a chaperone should not be underestimated or understated. All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present during any consultation, examination and procedure.

Clinician's at this surgery will advise patient that a chaperone A chaperone can be request by you the patient or the health care professional for propriety or safety.

How do I get a chaperone?

Should you wish to have a chaperone present in your consultation, please make the receptionist know when booking your appointment. Alternatively, please make your GP aware during your appointment and they shall organise for a trained member of staff to be present during the procedure.

Clinicians at this surgery will advise patients that a chaperone is necessary at the start of your appointment, and before any examination the GP will offer if you would like to accept or decline a chaperone.

Family and friends are not permitted to act as a chaperone as they do not have the necessary training which compromises the chaperone's role as a witness and safety of both the patient and practitioner.

What do I do if something did not feel right?

At Cleveland Clinic we take all concerns and feedback seriously. Should you have any concern's or questions following your appointment, please do let us know by sending an email into the surgery for the appropriate team to have a look into.