Chaperone Policy

Chaperone Policy Update

Following a recent update to the Chaperone Policy, all staff are reminded of their responsibilities when acting as a chaperone.
If you are asked to act as a chaperone for a clinician, you are required to record a consultation entry in the patient’s record. This applies to both clinical and administrative staff.
The consultation entry must include:
  • » Coding as “Chaperone Present”
  • » The name of the clinician you were chaperoning
  • » Details of any concerns raised during the consultation, or a clear statement confirming that no issues were identified
This documentation must be completed promptly, immediately after the chaperoning duty has concluded. 

Purpose

At Nexus Health, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for both our patients and staff. This policy outlines the procedures for offering chaperones during patient consultations and treatment sessions.

What is a Chaperone?

A chaperone is a third-party individual present during a patient’s consultation or treatment to provide reassurance, emotional or physical support, and to uphold professional standards. Patients are encouraged to notify us at the time of booking if they would like a chaperone present.

When a Chaperone May Be Required

  • A chaperone may be appropriate in the following scenarios:

  • During close-contact consultations or examinations

  • When a patient is particularly vulnerable or at risk

  • When assistance is needed with undressing

  • To protect both the patient and practitioner during interactions

  • Due to a patient’s religious or cultural considerations

Who Can Act as a Chaperone?

  • Patients may bring a family member or friend to act as their chaperone—please let us know when booking the appointment.

  • For children, a parent, guardian, or carer typically serves as the chaperone.

  • For patients with mental health conditions or learning difficulties that impact capacity, a carer or family member will usually attend.

  • If a patient would like a chaperone but is unable to bring someone, we will make suitable arrangements. Our designated chaperones are impartial, DBS-checked, and trained in their role and responsibilities.

Documentation and Conduct

  • If a patient is offered a chaperone and declines, this will be documented in their records.

  • Consent for a chaperone will be recorded.

  • Patients will be given privacy to undress and introduced to the chaperone immediately upon entering the consulting room.

  • Chaperones will be present only for the necessary duration.

  • The chaperone's identity and presence will be noted in the patient’s records.

  • Our chaperones are expected to be courteous and supportive throughout the visit.

Reporting Concerns

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