Consent Policy
Consent is a fundamental part of safe, ethical, and lawful healthcare practice.
What is Consent?
Consent is the voluntary agreement of a patient to receive assessment and/or treatment after being provided with sufficient information to make an informed decision.
For consent to be valid, it must be:
• Given freely
• Informed
• Specific to the intervention
• Provided by an individual with capacity
How Consent is Obtained
At Total Health Physiotherapy Ltd:
• Written consent is obtained at the initial appointment via a patient intake form
• Verbal consent is confirmed at each subsequent session
• Ongoing consent is assumed only where the patient continues to actively engage and agrees to treatment
Consent is viewed as a continuous process, not a one-off event.
Information Provided to Patients
Patients will be given clear and appropriate information regarding:
• The nature and purpose of the assessment or treatment
• Expected benefits
• Potential risks or discomfort
• Alternative options (including no treatment)
• Their right to ask questions and withdraw consent
Information will be communicated in a way that is appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding.
Withdrawal of Consent
Patients have the right to withdraw consent at any time, without giving a reason.
If consent is withdrawn:
• Treatment will be stopped immediately
• Alternative options may be discussed where appropriate
Capacity
Consent will only be accepted where the patient has the capacity to make an informed decision.
For patients under 18:
• A parent or legal guardian must provide consent
• The child’s views will still be considered where appropriate
Consent for Intimate Examinations
(Digital Vaginal Examinations – DVEs)
Additional safeguards apply to intimate examinations.
Prior to any internal examination:
• A clear explanation will be provided regarding the procedure
• The purpose and clinical relevance will be discussed
• Risks and potential discomfort will be explained
• The patient will have the opportunity to ask questions
Explicit consent will be obtained immediately prior to the examination.
Consent for intimate examination will:
• Not be assumed from general consent
• Be documented clearly in the clinical notes
• Be reconfirmed if there is any pause or change in procedure
Chaperones
A chaperone will always be offered prior to any intimate examination.
As a sole practitioner, Total Health Physiotherapy Ltd is unable to provide a chaperone. Patients may bring their own if they wish.
The patient’s decision regarding a chaperone will be clearly documented.
Documentation
Accurate records will be maintained, including:
• Confirmation that consent was obtained
• Any discussion of risks or alternatives
• Chaperone offer and outcome
• Any withdrawal or limitation of consent
Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with current professional standards.
Date of review: 19th April 2026
Reviewed by: Nicola Herringshaw (Director of Total Health Physiotherapy Ltd)