Our Approach to Providing Chaperones at Willow Grace Perinatal & Holistic Therapies
At Willow Grace Perinatal & Holistic Therapies, we prioritise your comfort and well-being during every treatment. We understand that some procedures may be distressing or make you feel vulnerable, especially those involving intimate examinations. We offer chaperones for client comfort and safety, during these times.
The Purpose of a Chaperone
Chaperones are present to provide emotional and physical support to you. They will also support our therapists, if needed.
When and How To Request a Chaperone
If you would like a chaperone present during your treatment, that is absolutely fine. It is best if this request can be made before your appointment. Please add it as a comment when booking online or drop us an email to ask us to arrange one.
Sometimes as we work through the consultation ahead of the treatment you may decide you would like a chaperone. This could be especially true for our women’s health physiotherapy treatments, which may involve more intimate examinations. During your assessment if you decide that you would like a chaperone, this is completely fine. We will assess and provide any treatment without completing the intimate assessment and then book your follow up appointment with a chaperone to complete the rest of your assessment at your request.
What to Expect During a Chaperoned Consultation
We strive to create a relaxing environment and ensure you have privacy throughout the treatment. Here’s what to expect:
- You will receive a full explanation of the reason for the treatment and what it will involve.
- During an intimate examination, the practitioner/therapist will offer reassurance, be courteous, keep discussions relevant, avoid unnecessary personal comments, encourage questions and discussion, and remain alert to how you are doing
If at any point you request the treatment to be discontinued, we will respect your wishes immediately.
Who Can Be a Chaperone?
An appropriate chaperone is a health professional familiar with our policy and holding a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. While friends or relatives can provide comfort, they are not trained chaperones. However, their presence can still help reduce your anxiety. We will always strive to ensure the chaperone is the same sex as you to minimise anxiety and risk.
The Role of a Chaperone
A chaperone’s responsibilities include:
- Providing emotional comfort and reassurance.
- Acting as an observer to support the practitioner/therapist.
- Alerting their manager if they feel any improper behaviour has taken place.
If the chaperone needs to provide practical assistance during the examination, they will do so only with your full understanding and consent.
Recording and Managing Chaperone Offers
Any offer of a chaperone will be documented in your treatment notes. If you decline the offer but the practitioner/therapist feels one is needed, they will:
- Explain why a chaperone is necessary and re-offer one.
- Ask you to rebook with a practitioner/therapist of the same sex or at a different time when a chaperone can be arranged.
Consent and Cultural Sensitivity
We always seek your explicit consent before any intimate examination. We respect and accommodate any cultural, religious, or personal preferences regarding examinations. If there is a language barrier, we will provide an interpreter and a separate chaperone to ensure clear communication.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Safety
If a chaperone has any concerns during the treatment, they will stop the procedure, allowing you to get dressed and discuss the issue. Any unresolved concerns will be immediately reported for further investigation and resolution.
We are committed to ensuring your safety, comfort, and dignity at all times. Should you have any questions or feel the need for a chaperone during your treatment, please get in touch.
We are here to support you every step of the way.
Feel free to contact us for more information or to discuss your needs before your appointment.
