Last updated: 05/02/2024

What we do?

Clinical images (photographs or video) may be included in a patient’s health care record and may be used for diagnosis, monitoring of the patient’s condition, and/or for planning further treatment.

Your Appointment

Medical photographs are taken with a digital camera, to provide an accurate visual record of your condition, which can be very useful for your clinician.

Patients who have been referred to Medical Photography can be seen in our studios at either Cheltenham General or Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, depending on what condition is being photographed.

The photographer will discuss with you the photographs that need to be taken. You may be asked to remove items of clothing, jewellery, or make-up to achieve clear, standardised medical photographs. Where possible, a photographer of the same sex will be available. However, if this is not the case a chaperone can be present if you wish and if you would prefer, we can reschedule appointments to return to the department for photographs at a later date.

The photographs will be stored confidentially on the Trust’s image database as part of your medical records. Access to this database is restricted and storage and retrieval of images are carried out under information governance guidelines. Medical photographs will be used by healthcare professionals involved in your care and in some cases you may be asked to consent for teaching and/or publication but all of the levels of consent will be clearly explained during your appointment. Photographs are kept for the same length of time as your medical records and are covered by the Data Protection Act.

We understand that you may feel nervous about having photographs taken and we aim to make the experience as simple and quick as we can for you. If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to discuss this with any member of the team.

Our Patients

• Our patients will be informed, understood, included, and cared for at every encounter
• We will always ensure patients are comfortable before, during and after the photography process
• Each step of the photography process will be clearly explained every time. This will be in a way patients, relatives, or carers can understand
• Patient confidentiality and privacy are paramount
• We will ensure each patient understands why they have Medical Photographs, how the photographs will be stored and how they will be used as part of their care

Our Staff

• Are friendly, kind, compassionate, professional, clear and concise with both staff and patients
• We endeavour to work as safely as possible by following health, safety, and infection control procedures

Quality of imaging is paramount and staff follow a Journey to Outstanding (J2O) clinical imaging framework.

Suggestions or complaints?

We make every effort to ensure our patients have received the best possible service. If you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our service, or if you have a compliment or complaint, we would be happy to hear from you.

Tell us about the quality of your care

Useful contacts and opening times

We are open from Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm

For bookings and appointments: 0300 422 4095 or ghnhsft.medphoto@nhs.net

Medical Photography Head Office and Studio
Centre Block
Cheltenham General Hospital
Sandford Road
Cheltenham
GL537AN

Medical Photography Studio Gloucester
Ground Floor
The Orchard Centre
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Gloucester
GL1 3NN