All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure when they consider one is required. The chaperone may be a family member or a friend, but on occasions a formal chaperone may be preferred. Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in anyway. The healthcare professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations.