Chaperones

A person accompanying you in a consultation is usually referred to as a ‘chaperone’. Consulting with a doctor or nurse is always confidential, but there may be occasions when you wish to be accompanied by a member of your family or a friend. This is often helpful, leading to a better outcome from the consultation.

If you arrive alone but would like another person present during a consultation, usually during an examination, please ask at reception or point this out to the doctor or nurse. They may ask if you would prefer this prior to any examination. It is more difficult for us to provide a chaperone early in the morning and at the end of the day.

There could be occasions when a doctor or nurse also feels it appropriate to have a colleague present in the consultation. This would always be explained to you in advance.