We understand that
you may not have
had medical
photographs taken
before,
so we have
provided this
leaflet to answer
some of your
questions.
Explain more
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If you are still unsure please talk to
your photographer, he or she will be
happy to help.
What is a medical photograph?
A medical photograph is a recording
of your condition by use of a digital
camera. It does not involve any x-rays
but it does use electronic flash. The
flash is not harmful and is no different
to the flash on your own camera.
Why do I need to have
photographs taken?
To photographically record the visual
signs of your condition and the stages
of your treatment and progress.
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You will be asked for your
permission before any
photographs are taken
Your doctor can explain why the
photographs are needed
All photographs are confidential
They will be kept in your medical
records. Your doctor may use them
to discuss the management of
your condition with other
healthcare professionals eg
dieticians, physiotherapists
If you agree, your photographs
could be used for one or more of
these purposes:
1. For teaching or presentation –
we are a large teaching
hospital and images provide a
valuable source for education.
2. For publication – in this
instance further permission
must be sought by the doctor
from you. He or she must get
this consent in writing and
specifically name the publication
in which the images will appear.
All photographs are covered by the
Data Protection Act and if after being
photographed you wish to retract
your permission, you may do so.
However, if you have consented for
your images to be used in an
electronic publication, it is unlikely
that it will be possible to retract
these images.
How will I be photographed?
When you enter the department please
press the bell on the reception desk
and take a seat. Medical photography
takes place in the privacy of the
department’s own studio. If you are
unable to come to the studio, the
photographer may visit you on the
ward or in clinic. The photographer
will explain to you what is required.
If you are unsure what is asked of
you the photographer will be happy
to demonstrate. We take the
photographs in a consistent, precise
and prompt manner. To obtain good,
clear photographs we may ask you to
remove items of clothing, spectacles,
jewellery or make-up.
Who will photograph me?
How to find us
You will be photographed by a
qualified member of staff who has
been specially trained in medical
photography. There are both male
and female photographers; if you
prefer to be photographed by a
photographer of the same sex, you
just have to ask. If one is unavailable,
an appointment can be made. You
can be accompanied by a relative or
friend, or we can provide a chaperone.
Patient photography is situated in the
medical illustration unit and can be
found on the first floor, opposite
clinic 9.
Clinic 1
Clinic
4
Stairs and
Lifts
Clinic 2
Blood
Tests
Clinic 5
Clinic 3
Medical
Illustration
Clinic 6
Clinic 9
Patient
Photography
How long will I have to wait?
You will usually be seen soon after
you have entered the department. You
may have to wait if the photographer
is busy attending to another patient.
Patients are seen in the order that
they arrive.
Our aim
You may feel apprehensive and
embarrassed and our aim is to make
you feel as comfortable as possible.
We will use our skill and discretion to
guide you through your photographic
session.
Clinic 10 & Pre Assessment
Lifts
Stairs
Lyndhurst
Rooms
Lifts
Opening times
Monday to Friday – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Contact details
Direct line 020 7830 2357 or ext 3600
Design & illustrations by
revised 2005
©
Royal Free & University College Medical School,
(Hampstead Campus)
www.royalfree.nhs.uk
Medical Photography
Patient
Information