The consultation that takes place between a patient and their Doctor or Nurse is private and confidential. Quite often an examination is required to help make a diagnosis. This may be straightforward or sometimes can be more personal or of a sensitive nature.
Under these circumstances the clinician will normally seek your agreement to a chaperone being present during the examination. If you do not agree to a chaperone the examination may not be able to go ahead.
If a chaperone is not offered but you would like someone to be present, do not be afraid to tell your doctor.
Procedures which are generally regarded as being of a sensitive nature are:
Cervical cytology
Gynaecological
Testicular
Breast Examination
Rectal Examination