I recently went for an appointment to see a plastic surgeon and was a bit surprised to find that there was a woman sitting in on the consultation without any explanation or “if you don’t mind” from the consultant. When I queried this he explained that she was his PA, not medically trained, and was there as a chaperone to protect his interests. I objected to this, and then he brought two nurses in instead - WTF?! Again I objected and one nurse left.
At no point did he ask me if I wanted a chaperone or did I mind if someone sat in. Since I was there with my husband in the consultation it was totally unnecessary and an invasion of my privacy that I wasn’t offered the option of no chaperone.
I’ve now complained via the hospital’s PALS service, who confirmed that this is not normal or recommended practice.
Has anyone else experienced this?
That does sound quite strange, particularly if your husband was there. I usually go alone to appointments and on a couple of occassions One of the breast care nurses has come in, if I am being examined. I didn’t question this but assume it was incase any allegations were made against the oncologist - sad I know, but that appears to be the way the world is going.
Sounds like a rotten experience. It wouldnt surprise me if there have been false allegations made against him in the past, hence his caution in putting himself in any vulnerable position. I know adults in schools have to be very careful in one-to-ones, and other professionals too, but its a bit odd for your plastic surgeon i agree! That said, my male GP got the office receptionist in to be a chaperone when i first presented with my lump. Didnt occur to me to mind cos my head was in too much of a spin at that time, but your post has just made me remember it. Hope they get it sorted before your next appointment. X
The consultant made it quite clear that the chaperone was there for his benefit, although GMC guidelines say that the primary reason for a chaperone is for the patient’s comfort and reassurance, and that the consultant’s desire to have a chaperone so he can’t be accused of anything is only of secondary consideration. I think Tors is probably right, that he has had false accusations against him in the past. I wouldn’t have minded so much if (a) he’d introduced the woman and asked if I minded and (b) if she’d been a BCN or similar and (c) I had been given the option to refuse the chaperone.
The GMC also says that once the examination is over the chaperone should leave the room so that the discussions afterwards are private - that didn’t happen either.
Funnily enough I won’t be seeing him again! He seemed an arrogant p**ck in other respects as well. Can you imagine how my breasts would look after he’d worked on them, knowing that I’d made a complaint against him?!
For info - if you have a non-medical chaperone - you can ask them to stay on the otherside of the curtain if you wish. If your surgeon objects to that then insist on a nurse.
I’ve always had a nurse present at the start of my consultation and until I’ve got my top back on - was never given a choice but I felt it was reasonable - they are a comfort to me too in being there with me as another woman who can empathise silently with me.