Chaperone Policy

Last updated: 16 September 2026

1. Purpose

This policy sets out Medi-Forte's commitment to ensuring that intimate examinations and certain clinical procedures are carried out safely, respectfully, and with appropriate safeguards for both patients and clinicians.

A chaperone is a trained third party who is present during an intimate or potentially sensitive clinical examination or procedure. Their role is to provide support and reassurance to the patient and to act as a witness to the professional conduct of the consultation.

2. When a chaperone may be offered or required

A chaperone will be offered (and may be required) for examinations and procedures including but not limited to:

• Gynaecological and pelvic examinations
• Breast examinations
• Genitourinary examinations
• Rectal examinations
• Obstetric ultrasound and pelvic ultrasound
• Abdominal examinations where clothing must be removed
• Any other procedure where a patient or clinician considers a chaperone appropriate

3. Your right to request a chaperone

Any patient has the right to request a chaperone for any consultation or examination, regardless of the nature of the appointment. You do not need to give a reason. This right applies regardless of the sex or gender of the clinician or patient.

If you would like a chaperone, please:

• Inform us when booking your appointment, or
• Ask your clinician at the start of your consultation

4. Chaperone role and conduct

Chaperones at Medi-Forte are members of our clinical or administrative team who have been trained for this role. A chaperone will:

• Be introduced to you by name and role before the examination begins
• Remain in the room throughout the examination
• Maintain your privacy and dignity at all times
• Offer reassurance during the examination
• Not comment on clinical findings
• Record their presence in your clinical notes

Chaperones are bound by the same confidentiality obligations as all clinical staff.

5. If a chaperone is not immediately available

If you request a chaperone and one is not immediately available, your clinician will offer you the option to:

• Wait until a chaperone becomes available
• Reschedule your appointment to a time when a chaperone can be arranged
• Proceed without a chaperone if you give explicit, informed consent to do so

A clinician will not proceed with an intimate examination without a chaperone if the patient has not consented to proceed without one.

6. Declining a chaperone

You may decline the offer of a chaperone. Declining will be documented in your records. You are free to change your mind at any point during a consultation and ask for a chaperone to be present.

7. If you have a concern

If you are concerned about how an examination was conducted, or you feel that your dignity or wellbeing was not respected, please contact us immediately:

• Email: Rosieaslan@medi-forte.com
• Post: 48-52 Penny Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom, L18 1DG

Concerns will be handled under our Complaints Policy and treated with full confidentiality. This will not affect your ongoing care.

8. Contact

Mediwell North West Ltd (trading as Medi-Forte) 48-52 Penny Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom, L18 1DG Company number: 15753666 Rosieaslan@medi-forte.com