A chaperone policy is put into place to safeguard and protect patients and pharmacy staff.

You should consider having a policy if pharmacists will have to touch patients or come into close contact with them (e.g. diagnose minor ailments or administer a vaccination).

It is not mandatory to have a policy but it can evidence compliance of the GPhC Premises Standards. An inspector may ask questions about the policy and how it is implemented.

Key points

If you have a chaperone policy and provide chaperones to patients check:

• Policy is clearly advertised in the pharmacy.
• Policy is clearly explained to patients and offered when appropriate.
• The offer of a chaperone is recorded whether it is taken up or declined by the patient.

• All staff are fully aware of the policy and can explain it to patients.
• Staff who agree to act as a chaperone are trained and fully aware of their role and responsibilities.

• Requests for a chaperone are fulfilled wherever possible or consultations rescheduled.
• Concerns are raised if the policy has not been followed or inappropriate behaviour has occurred.

Resources

Download the template policy and customer notice.