MSG changed chaperone policy after allegations were made
The Medical Specialist Group has changed its chaperone policy, after Dr Shokouh-Amiri was given a warning for numerous failings in this regard while working for the group in Guernsey.
The papers from the recent Medical Practitioners Tribunal hearing noted that there were a number of breaches of rules requiring chaperones.
With regards to chaperones, even one failure to have a chaperone is sufficient for misconduct.
‘While the tribunal accepted that there were problems with the provision of chaperones at MSG, and they were not routinely provided at every appointment, Dr Shokouh-Amiri was an experienced consultant, a partner in MSG and in a senior position,’ the tribunal found.
‘He was therefore in a position to challenge the working practices at MSG and to ensure he was working within RCOG guidelines. It noted that Dr Shokouh-Amiri also knew the guidelines of the Royal College of Gynaecologists regarding chaperones but still failed to insist on one, thus breaching the guidelines.’
The tribunal determined that failure to have a chaperone present on each occasion was seriously below the standard expected and amounted to serious misconduct.
During the tribunal Dr Shokouh-Amiri claimed he was encouraged not to use chaperones, but the tribunal noted he was partner at MSG and should have raised any concerns he had about adhering to guidelines.
MSG chairman Steve Evans said the group had now taken steps to amend its chaperone policy.
‘Despite what Mr Shokouh-Amiri told the tribunal, our policy has always been that a chaperone must be present whenever a healthcare professional carried out an intimate examination and we have trained chaperones available at all times,’ he said.
‘Previously, in line with GMC guidance, the doctor would sign to say if the patient declined to have a chaperone present.
'Under the new policy which was introduced in April 2019, the patient must sign, as well as the doctor.’
