Chaperone policy

This policy provides guidance for Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust (BHT) staff working within all Trust settings on the use of chaperones.

BHT is committed to ensuring high standards of privacy and dignity for all its patients and their safety and welfare is of paramount importance. This policy upholds these commitments by providing guidance for staff on the use of chaperones in relation to all healthcare interventions. The Trust expects the highest standards of personal conduct and integrity from staff in order to maintain the confidence of patients, their families and carers.

This policy recognises that all healthcare interventions can be potentially distressing for a patient and that they may prefer to have a chaperone present in order to support them. It is good practice to offer all patients a chaperone for any healthcare intervention, or where the patient feels that one is required, however for most patients, respect, explanation consent and privacy take precedence over the need for a chaperone.