The use of chaperones for intimate examinations is frequently encountered in hospital settings. By “intimate”, this could mean Breast; Pelvic; Rectal examinations and Cervical smears.
Traditionally, chaperones are less frequently encountered in General Practice. We do believe however that every patient (and Doctor) has a right to a chaperone if requested and we would not perform an examination if a chaperone has been requested and one is not available.
If you know you could be having an intimate examination, you may like to ask a friend or relative to act as a chaperone. If no such person is available, please inform reception of your wish at the time of booking your appointment, and a mutually convenient time will then be organised. If, during a consultation, an intimate examination becomes necessary and you would like a chaperone to be in attendance, please discuss directly with the Doctor (the examination may need to be delayed until your next appointment if a chaperone is unavailable).
Key Messages
- Crawley Down Health Centre supports the use of chaperones
- You may like to ask a friend or relative to act as a chaperone for you