Medical Illustration

Clinical photography is undertaken at the hospital and supports the provision of safe and effective care, both in diagnosis and monitoring, as well as supporting teaching, research and sometimes publication. Medical Illustration supports the provision of safe and effective care, both in terms of diagnosis and monitoring, as well as supporting teaching, research and corporate activities.

Where are we?

Medical Illustration is located within the University Hospital of Wales, on the Upper Ground Floor, A-B Link.

University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW
Tel: 029 2184 3305 / 029 2184 4601

Email: medicalillustration.cav@wales.nhs.uk

Why do I need clinical photography?

Your clinician has requested that we take photographs or video of you as part of your care. Photographs form an essential part of your medical records and are often used for treatment planning, to aid diagnosis, or to record and monitor the progress of your condition.

Who will photograph me?

A photographer who has been specially trained in clinical photography will photograph you, a trainee medical photographer might also assist.

We will try to have both male and female photographers available, if you would prefer to be photographed by someone of the same sex, please ask at reception or let the photographer know. A friend or relative can accompany you. If you wish to have a chaperone please inform a member of staff.

Clinical photographers are governed by the Code of Conduct of our professional body; The Institute of Medical Illustrators, we are also a part of a voluntary register; Academy of Healthcare Scientists (AHCS).

Consent

Your consultant or the healthcare professional referring you for clinical photography should have explained exactly what the photographs will be used for and who is likely to see them. You should also have been asked to sign the ‘Request for clinical photography / video’ form, if you haven’t signed the form please tell the photographer.

Depending on the level of consent you have signed, your photographs or video recording will be used for one or more of the following:

• Level 0: Your medical records only
• Level 1: Your medical records; NHS teaching and medical training of staff and students
• Level 2: Your medical records; NHS teaching and medical training of staff and students; medical publications (this may include the internet)

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting the Medical Illustration department, however with photographs that have previously been consented for publication it may not be possible to withdraw them from the public domain.

What will happen?

Clinical photography will take place in the privacy of the department’s purpose built studio. The procedure will be explained to you in advance. The areas to be recorded have been indicated on the request form. We will discuss the photographic views or recording with you before starting and you may be asked to remove items of clothing, jewellery or make-up. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask your photographer.

Will it take long?

The length of time will depend on your condition and the number of photographs required but it is usually no longer than 10 minutes.

Do I have a choice?

Yes, if you do not wish to be photographed or you change your mind, it will not affect your care or treatment in any way.

What happens to my photographs / video?

All clinical photographs and videos form part of your confidential medical records. All images are stored on a secure Cardiff and Vale UHB server and can only be accessed and used for the purpose you have consented for.

If you need a copy of your own clinical images please ask at reception or contact the department, you will be given a form, this will need to be completed with all relevant identification checks before any photographs can be released.

We may share your images between departments within the health service to take better care of you. Sometimes we may need to pass on images by law, or share your images with non-NHS staff, for example Social Services or the Police. This would only be done if absolutely necessary and would be discussed with you.

Feedback

We hope your visit has been a positive one, we welcome any comments or suggestions that may improve our service in the future. You can ask the receptionist for a feedback form or if you prefer you can contact the Concerns Department by email: concerns@wales.nhs.uk or by telephone: 029 2184 4095 / 029 2184 3301.

Other services

Medical Illustration provide a range of media-based services to the staff of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB). These services include:

• Graphic design
• Poster service
• Medical art and general illustration
• General photography
• Video and animation
• Printing

Graphics

Our graphics department produces patient information, clinical documentation and training materials which play a crucial role in the care and treatment of patients during their hospital stay, outpatient appointments, and aftercare once they go home. We can also produce annual reports, interactive forms and digital files for screens. Projects are managed from conception through to finished print and we work very closely with our photographic section, and on-site print unit.

Poster Service

Posters for scientific meetings, conferences, and promotional use can be produced by our Poster Service on high quality glossy paper, processed by a large-format, high resolution, ink jet printer. The Poster Team can also provide help and advice for Cardiff and Vale UHB Meeting/Conference Organisers.

Medical Illustration & Surgical Art

Our designers support healthcare professionals within the hospital by producing accurate anatomical illustrations for patient care and treatment, educational purposes and research.

General Photography

General photography includes public relations images for promotions and public awareness campaigns, as well as portraiture, photography of equipment and scanning. We cover a wide range of subjects and events, from presentations and conferences to group portraits. Images can be provided for publications, displays, public information leaflets and digital files. Personal injury and medicolegal photography is a specialist service for solicitors and their clients.

Video & Animation

We can produce videos for education, promotion and training. Our sound booth enables us to capture high quality audio to give a professional post-production result. We also have an animation service which has proved popular with departments looking to help patients who may have difficulty reading information and would prefer something more visual to assist in their care.

Printing

Our on-site printing department produces care pathways, patient information and training literature for the UHB. We can also offer a range of finishing methods including lamination, folding and binding. The Print Unit at Lakeside, can print all your paper goods including:

• Booklets
• Care Pathways
• Business cards
• Leaflets
• Flyers
• Letters
• Posters
• Labels
• Annual Reports

We can also offer finishing services including:

• Drilling/hole punching
• Producing padded cards
• Folding (half-fold, tri-fold, z-fold, gate fold)