Medical Photographer

Job overview

The Medical Photographer will deliver a comprehensive, high-quality clinical photography service across Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Working independently across Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital and other Trust sites as required, the postholder will undertake a broad range of clinical, scientific and general photographic assignments in support of patient care, diagnosis, treatment planning, education, research, publication and service development.

The postholder will be responsible for producing accurate, consistent and clinically relevant images for inclusion within patients' medical records and for other approved clinical, educational, research and medico-legal purposes. Working within professional standards, departmental protocols and relevant legal frameworks, the postholder will exercise professional judgement in the delivery of specialist imaging services and will contribute to maintaining the highest standards of clinical image quality, patient care and information governance.

Main duties of the job

Deliver a comprehensive clinical and scientific photography service across a range of clinical environments.

Produce high-quality clinical images to support patient care, diagnosis, treatment, education, research and medico-legal requirements.

Apply specialist photographic techniques and image processing skills to ensure clinical accuracy and consistency.

Respond to urgent and complex photography requests whilst effectively prioritising workload and service demands.

Manage clinical images, patient data and digital records in accordance with professional, legal and Trust standards.

Obtain and manage informed patient consent, ensuring compliance with information governance and confidentiality requirements.

Provide a professional, compassionate and patient-centred service, including in sensitive and distressing clinical situations.

Participate in Teledermatology services and specialist imaging activities delivered by the department.

Participate in the capture of newborn photography for our new service.

Contribute to service development, quality improvement and the implementation of new technologies and working practices.

Develop effective working relationships with clinicians and multidisciplinary teams to support patient care.

Maintain technical competency and participate in continuing professional development and departmental training activities.

Work flexibly across Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital and other Trust sites as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Independently undertake clinical and scientific photography of adults and children across a variety of clinical environments, including photographic studios, outpatient clinics, wards, operating theatres, emergency departments and other Trust locations.

Produce high-quality clinical images that accurately document patient conditions and support diagnosis, treatment planning, patient records, education, publication, research and medico-legal requirements.

Select, adapt and apply appropriate photographic techniques, including specialist lighting methods, composition, exposure control and colour management, to ensure images are clinically accurate, reproducible and fit for purpose.

Respond to urgent, complex and demand-led clinical photography requests, prioritising workload appropriately to meet the needs of patients and clinical services.

Maintain competence across the full range of Medical Photography services and demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency in clinical imaging, image management and the use of photographic equipment.

Utilise and maintain photographic, imaging and digital asset management systems, including Adobe Creative Suite, electronic patient record systems and departmental databases, ensuring the secure management of confidential patient information.

Undertake image processing, quality assurance and post-production activities in accordance with departmental protocols, professional standards and legal requirements, ensuring that image authenticity and clinical integrity are maintained at all times.

Obtain, document and manage informed patient consent in accordance with Trust policies, professional guidance and relevant legislation, ensuring patients understand the purpose, use and storage of their images.

Exercise a high degree of professionalism and discretion when working with vulnerable, distressed or critically unwell patients, adapting communication styles to meet individual needs and circumstances.

Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all relevant information governance, data protection, copyright and image security legislation, policies and procedures.

Manage and organise clinical photography workloads, including appointment scheduling, data management, record keeping and the efficient progression of requests through departmental workflows.

Independently participate in Teledermatology services and associated imaging activities following successful completion of departmental competency assessments.

Undertake specialist photographic assignments including dermoscopy, wound photography, private patient photography, clinical audit projects and other services delivered by the department.

Contribute to the delivery of non-clinical photography, videography and digital media projects, including staff portraits, newborn photography for our new maternity project, corporate communications, events, publications, presentations and Trust promotional materials.

Support the implementation and development of new technologies, imaging techniques, digital workflows and service improvements that enhance patient care and departmental efficiency.

Develop effective professional relationships with consultants, clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals and multidisciplinary teams, acting as a specialist resource on clinical imaging requirements and best practice.

Participate in departmental meetings, training programmes, competency assessments and continuing professional development activities, maintaining evidence of ongoing professional learning.

Work flexibly across Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital and other Trust sites as required to meet service demands and ensure continuity of care.

Work flexibly to support service delivery, including undertaking occasional variations to normal working hours in response to clinical priorities, service demands and operational requirements.

Actively contribute to the delivery of a patient-focused, innovative and high-quality Medical Photography service that supports the strategic objectives of the Trust.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.