Chaperone Policy
Purpose
At i-Thrive Well-being Ltd, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all patients and staff. This policy outlines the role of a chaperone in ensuring that services are delivered with dignity, professionalism, and transparency.
What is a Chaperone?
A chaperone is a trained staff member, family member, or friend who is present during a service to provide:
- Support and reassurance to the patient.
- Assistance with communication if needed.
- An additional layer of protection for both patients and staff.
- A witness to interactions to promote transparency and safeguard all parties.
When a Chaperone is Offered or Requested
A chaperone may be:
- Offered by staff for services that involve physical contact or sensitive discussions.
- Requested by the patient at any time before or during their service.
Where possible, patients should request a chaperone in advance to allow appropriate arrangements to be made.
Who Can Act as a Chaperone?
- A trained staff member provided by i-Thrive Well-being Ltd.
- A family member or friend, if preferred by the patient, who is 18 years or older.
- The chaperone must be willing and able to fulfill the role without causing disruption.
Staff Responsibilities
- Ensure patients are aware of their right to request a chaperone.
- Provide a trained chaperone when required and document their presence.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure that patient dignity is respected at all times.
- Pause or discontinue a service if a patient expresses discomfort.
Ensuring a Safe and Comfortable Experience
- Chaperones must remain present throughout the relevant part of the service while maintaining a professional and discreet presence.
- If concerns arise during a service, staff must address them immediately.
- Any complaints or incidents related to chaperoning will be handled in line with i-Thrive Well-being Ltd’s complaint resolution procedures.
Further Information
If you have any questions about our Chaperone Policy or wish to request a chaperone for your next appointment, please speak to a member of our team.