Chaperones

Chaperones: Your Right to Feel Safe and Supported

At West Wirral Group Practice, your comfort, safety, and dignity are a priority. If you are having a physical examination — especially one that is intimate or personal — you are entitled to have a trained chaperone present.

What is a Chaperone?

A chaperone is a specially trained member of our team who is present during certain medical examinations or procedures. Their role is to support you, provide reassurance, and help protect both you and your clinician.

When Can I Request a Chaperone?

You can request a chaperone at any time, for any appointment where you feel one is needed — even if the examination is not intimate. We also routinely offer chaperones for certain procedures.

During intimate or personal examinations (e.g., breast, genital, or rectal exams)
If you feel uncomfortable or anxious about an examination
If you are under 18 or need additional support

How Do I Request a Chaperone?

It’s easy — just let us know at any of the following points:

When booking your appointment (by phone or online)
When you arrive at reception
During your consultation — feel free to ask your clinician at any time

Who Acts as a Chaperone?

Our chaperones are members of staff who have been fully trained and checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). In most cases, they will be clinical staff familiar with the examination being performed.

Your Privacy Matters

If you would like to undress in private, we will provide a screen or curtain. The chaperone will always respect your privacy and confidentiality. They will be present only during the examination itself, not for unrelated discussion.