Chaperone policy

Our team at SMARTPHYSIO have a duty to respect the dignity and sensibilities of all our patients, as well as their own right to work in a safe environment. We therefore follow the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s guidelines regarding chaperones, to ensure fair treatment for all, especially young people.

We are committed to making sure our patients feel comfortable at all times. If you wish to bring an informal chaperone, friend or relative in for any treatment with you, please do.

What is a chaperone?

A chaperone is an adult acting as an impartial third party. A relative or friend of the patient is not an impartial observer, and is therefore referred to as an informal chaperone.

SMARTPHYSIO requires that children and young people under the age of 16 are supervised by an adult during examinations and treatment sessions. Patients over the age of 16 may request or be offered an informal chaperone (such as a friend or relative) or a formal chaperone (such as a staff member).

Where a young person does not wish to have a chaperone, they must tell us immediately and be clear about their reasons, which will be recorded in their treatment notes.

If you would like a formal chaperone

If you would like a formal chaperone present, please tell us at the earliest opportunity and we will take all necessary steps to provide one. If we are unable to provide a chaperone for the time of your booking, we may need to reschedule your appointment, and we will request your agreement to this.

At SMARTPHYSIO we do not carry out any ‘intimate examinations’. However, if a full examination is required it may be necessary to remove some items of clothing. If you feel more comfortable, you are welcome to wear a sports bra, shorts or swimwear ready for your treatment. Patients may, at any time, request any level of privacy they require.

For most patients and procedures, our respect, an explanation, consent and privacy are all that is needed. These take precedence over the need for a chaperone. A chaperone does not remove the need for adequate explanation and courtesy.

All staff at SMARTPHYSIO are aware that chaperones are there to protect both patients and themselves. Special consideration is given to examinations carried out on home visits or during online, video or telephone consultations.

If you wish to read our chaperone policy in full detail, please refer to the Chaperoning and Related Issues policy on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s website.