A chaperone is an adult who acts as an impartial person who is present during an examination and/or treatment. Clients may wish to be accompanied during an appointment for a variety of reasons, including help with remembering details of discussions, assistance with interpretation when there are language difficulties, and moral support from family members or friends. Chaperones can be used to protect the patients’ safety and dignity whilst minimising the risk of the physiotherapists’ professional actions being misinterpreted or misunderstood as inappropriate, especially during intimate and/or close examinations. Clients should be aware physiotherapy by its very nature, is a ‘touching’ profession with patients often partially undressed. 

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Flex Physio Bath encourages the use of chaperones when the patient requests this and all patients are welcome to bring a responsible adult to appointments to act as an informal chaperone. Formal chaperones are usually healthcare workers who have completed specific training in chaperoning. Flex Physio Bath cannot provide a formal chaperone and if you feel you require a formal chaperone or interpreter, please contact us directly so we can signpost you to alternative providers which may be able to offer these services.

 

Flex Physio Bath require all children (under the age of 16) to be accompanied by an appropriate adult (parent or guardian) during appointments. If no appropriate adult has accompanied them to their appointment, an alternative appointment will need to be arranged.

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If a client has any questions regarding chaperones or they would like a chaperone but don’t have someone they can bring to the appointment, they should contact us prior to the appointment. Jack Dawkins has Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, up-to-date adult and child safeguarding training, and works towards the HCPC regulatory standards of conduct, performance and ethics.

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Consent

​Consent is the voluntary agreement given by an individual to allow something to happen to them, and/or to be done to them, and/or allow their participation in something. We endeavour to provide clients with the information regarding the purpose of assessments or treatments, and the potential and expected risks and benefits. Verbal consent will be obtained for most assessment and treatment decisions. Written consent may also be obtained for any assessment, treatment, or intervention which may be considered invasive or requires an explicit explanation of risks, including written consent for injection therapy.

 

Clients will be required to accept our terms and conditions in relation to our cancellation, privacy, chaperone, and consent policies during the booking process prior to their first appointment. Any examination or treatment can be discontinued at any time if a patient requests this, even if written consent has been obtained. At Flex Physio Bath, we endeavour to provide a professional and comfortable experience in which you feel you can express any concerns and ask further questions at any time before, during, or after your appointment.