Chaperoning

This policy applies to all healthcare professionals/care staff working in NHS Lothian including locum, bank and agency staff who, on behalf of NHS Lothian, are involved in the direct care of the patients.

All patients should be offered a chaperone or be invited to have a relative or friend present with them during any examination or procedure. Their personal preference should be documented in their healthcare record.

In particular patients who are required to undress as part of their management are entitled to have a chaperone present. Likewise all staff who are involved in intimate examination and / or care are entitled to have a chaperone present.

The relationship between a patient and healthcare practitioner/care worker is based on trust.

The principles of this document should be adhered to within all healthcare settings where a patient is required to undress as part of their treatment regime, procedure and / or examination.

The key principles of communication and record keeping will ensure that the practitioner/patient relationship is maintained.

• Has identified the staff in his or her area to whom this policy applies and has given the policy (or selected excerpts) to them.
• Has assessed the impact of the policy on current working practices, and has an action plan to make all necessary changes to ensure that his or her area complies with the policy.
• Has set up systems to provide assurance to him or her that the policy is being implemented as intended in his or her area of responsibility.

Good Practice for Employees

• Has read the policy (or selected excerpts) and considered what it means for him or her, in terms of how to conduct his or her duties.
• Has completed any mandatory education or training that may be required as part of the implementation of the policy.
• Has altered working practices as expected by the policy