Jeanette Haslam, Ian Pomfret and Sophie Sandham describe a small study to assess whether female patients would consent to vaginal examination being performed by male members of staff.

Jeanette Haslam MPhil, MCSP, SRP is a Clinical Continence Specialist in Munich, Germany (Physiotherapy).
Ian Pomfret RGN, NDN Cert, PWT is a District Continence Adviser
Sophie Sandham RGN is a Clinical Audit Officer, Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust.

Article accepted for publication December 1999.