Our Commitment to You
At SABA Health, we are committed to making sure you are always treated with dignity and respect. This policy explains your rights to privacy and dignity, and when you can have a chaperone.
Your Rights to Privacy and Dignity
We ensure that:
- You are treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect.
- Your privacy is protected during all consultations, examinations, and procedures.
- Your personal and medical information is kept confidential and stored securely.
- Your cultural, religious, and personal preferences are respected.
- You are involved in all decisions about your care.
How We Maintain Your Privacy
Our staff will:
- Use private consultation and treatment rooms.
- Ensure doors and curtains are closed when appropriate.
- Knock before entering a room.
- Keep your exposure to a minimum during examinations.
- Avoid discussing your care in public areas.
How We Maintain Your Dignity
Our staff will:
- Introduce themselves and explain their role.
- Clearly explain any procedure before starting.
- Ask for your consent before any examination or treatment.
- Offer you appropriate gowns, drapes, or coverings.
- Allow you time to dress and undress in private.
Our Chaperone Policy
A chaperone is a trained, impartial observer who is present during an examination or procedure. Their role is to protect both you (the patient) and the clinician.
When a Chaperone is Offered
- You will be offered a chaperone for any intimate examination or procedure.
- You may request a chaperone at any time for any examination or consultation.
Who Can Be a Chaperone?
- A trained member of our staff (who is familiar with the procedure and aware of professional boundaries).
- Your family or friends are not usually appropriate to act as the sole chaperone, but they can be present in addition to a staff chaperone if you wish.
Intimate Examinations
For intimate examinations, the clinician will:
- Explain the examination clearly.
- Confirm your verbal consent.
- Ensure a chaperone has been offered and documented.
- Only expose the necessary area of your body.
- Stop the examination immediately if you become distressed or withdraw your consent.
If You Decline a Chaperone
- Your decision will be respected and documented in your record.
- The clinician may decide not to proceed if they feel it is inappropriate to continue without a chaperone.
Additional Support
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for patients who may require extra support, including those with:
- Disabilities
- Mental health needs
- Limited capacity
- Language barriers
Concerns or Complaints
If you have any concerns about your dignity, privacy, or the use of a chaperone, please:
- Raise them immediately if possible.
- Use SABA Health's complaints procedure.
All concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and used to improve our services.
