Chaperone Policy
At The Health Dispensary, we are committed to providing care in a safe, respectful, and dignified manner. This Chaperone Policy explains when a chaperone may be offered or requested during consultations or services provided by our pharmacy team.
1. What Is a Chaperone?
A chaperone is an appropriately trained member of staff who is present during a consultation or examination to provide reassurance, support, and protection for both the patient and the healthcare professional.
Chaperones are most commonly relevant during consultations that may involve:
- Personal or sensitive discussions;
- Physical examinations;
- Services that may cause embarrassment, anxiety, or discomfort.
2. When a Chaperone Is Offered
A chaperone may be offered or recommended:
- When a consultation or service is of an intimate or sensitive nature;
- At the request of the patient;
- At the professional discretion of the pharmacist or clinician;
- When required to support patient dignity, safety, or comfort.
Where appropriate, we will explain the role of the chaperone before the consultation begins.
3. Requesting a Chaperone
Patients have the right to request a chaperone for any consultation or service, regardless of gender.
If you would like a chaperone present:
- Please let a member of our team know before or at the start of your appointment;
- We will make reasonable efforts to provide a suitable chaperone;
- If a chaperone is not immediately available, we may offer to reschedule the appointment.
4. Who Can Act as a Chaperone
Chaperones will usually be:
- A trained member of our pharmacy team;
- Someone who understands their role and responsibilities;
- Independent of the consultation being provided.
Friends or family members may accompany you for support, but they are not considered a formal chaperone for clinical purposes.
5. Online and Remote Consultations
For online or remote consultations:
- A physical chaperone is generally not required;
- Patients may choose to have another person present with them during the consultation if they wish;
- We will always explain what the consultation involves and obtain appropriate consent.
If a service is not suitable to be provided remotely without appropriate safeguards, we may recommend an in-pharmacy or alternative appointment.
6. Privacy, Dignity, and Consent
All consultations are carried out in line with confidentiality, consent, and data protection requirements. The presence or absence of a chaperone will not affect the quality of care you receive.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, you may ask for the consultation to stop or request additional support.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our Chaperone Policy or would like to discuss your preferences before an appointment, please contact us. Our team is happy to help.
This Chaperone Policy may be updated from time to time. Please refer to the latest version available on our website.
Last updated: 22 December 2025