Chaperone Policy
Last updated: 1 April 2026
At Binfield Village Pharmacy, we are committed to providing care in a way that is professional, respectful, safe, and appropriate for all patients.
In line with good professional practice and GPhC standards, we recognise that some consultations, examinations, or treatments may involve a higher degree of personal sensitivity. In these situations, patients may wish to have a chaperone present.
What is a chaperone?
A chaperone is a person present during a consultation, examination, or treatment to provide reassurance, support, and an additional safeguard for both the patient and the healthcare professional.
A chaperone can help ensure that care is delivered in a way that is respectful, comfortable, and transparent.
When a chaperone may be offered
A chaperone may be offered where appropriate, particularly during services or appointments that involve:
Physical examination or treatment
Close personal contact
Sensitive or potentially uncomfortable procedures
Situations where the patient or clinician would feel more comfortable with another person present
This may apply to certain private services or consultations carried out within the pharmacy.
Your right to request a chaperone
Patients are welcome to request a chaperone for any consultation or treatment where they feel one would be helpful.
If you would like a chaperone to be present, please let a member of our team know before or at the start of your appointment where possible.
We will always do our best to accommodate your request.
Who can act as a chaperone?
A chaperone may be:
A trained member of the pharmacy team, where available
A friend, family member, or companion you choose to bring with you
Where possible, we may prefer a member of staff to act as the formal chaperone for certain services.
Please note that in some circumstances, a friend or family member may not be considered a suitable formal chaperone, particularly where a trained staff member would be more appropriate.
If a chaperone is not available
If a suitable chaperone is not immediately available, we may offer to:
Rearrange your appointment
Delay the consultation until one is available
Discuss whether you would still like to proceed
Your comfort, dignity, and confidence in the service are important to us.
If the clinician feels a chaperone is appropriate
In some cases, the pharmacist or clinician may feel that a chaperone should be present as part of safe and appropriate professional practice.
If this happens, we will explain this clearly and respectfully.
If a patient does not wish to proceed with a chaperone where one is considered necessary, we may decide that it is not appropriate to continue with the consultation or treatment at that time.
Respect, dignity and privacy
We aim to ensure that all patients are treated with:
Respect
Privacy
Sensitivity
Professionalism
We will always try to explain what to expect during any consultation, examination, or treatment before proceeding.
Questions or concerns
If you have any questions about this policy or would like to request a chaperone before your appointment, please contact us:
Binfield Village Pharmacy
Terrace Rd N, Binfield, Bracknell RG42 5JG
Phone: 01344 868486
Email: pharmacy.FG094@nhs.net