Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is Medical Illustration?
We produce photographic images for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. These images may be used for teaching, research, and publication, or solely for your patient’s records.
What is a Medical Photographer?
Medical Photographers are qualified photographers who have specialised in Medicine; they are required to learn anatomy and physiology, clinical terminology and the techniques required for accurately recording clinical conditions.
They are part of a group of hospital workers called Healthcare Scientists, who support the work of other health care professionals and medical staff in the treatment of your condition. They are required to work to a strict code of professional conduct.
Why do I need photographs taken?
Your consultant, or one of his/her team, has probably asked you to have photographs taken. You should not be worried as this is often a standard procedure. Generally, it is because they need a record of your condition at a particular stage.
Will it take long?
If you are seen on a ward a clinical photography card will be filled out and your informed consent will be obtained before photography is undertaken. With the help of a Nurse or Healthcare Assistant the photographer will take the photographs which can take about 10-15 minutes; this may differ depending on your condition.
On arrival to the department, you will be asked for your clinical photography request card. If the photographer is available, you will be seen straight away. However, if they have been called away to another department, you will be advised how long they may be. You will be given the option to wait or make an alternative appointment. If the clinic is busy you may have to wait while another patient is being photographed.
Taking the photographs generally takes about 10 - 15 minutes; this may differ depending on your condition.
What to expect
The photographer will take you into the photographic studio; they will explain what photographs the doctor needs and how they will be taken. You may be asked to remove jewelry or makeup or clothing depending on what needs to be photographed. We try to keep this to a minimum, but it is important for your clinical condition to be recorded as accurately as possible.
The department has both a male and female photographer, should you have a preference we shall try and accommodate this. If it is not possible for you to be seen by a photographer of your preference, we can arrange for a chaperone to be present to make you feel more comfortable. Once completed the photographs will be filed in your records ready for your next visit.
The photographer may ask you to:
- Remove your jacket or hoodie
- Remove earrings and necklaces
- Tie up your hair up
- Remove your head covering*
*If you prefer to keep your head covering on, there are options for how these photographs can be taken.
Do I need to give permission for photographs?
We require your consent to take any photographs, as with any treatment or procedure performed on you. Your doctor should ask for your consent before the referral is made to Medical Illustration.
You have the right to refuse to have your photograph taken, but this may mean that full treatment may not be able to be administered or that some procedures cannot be carried out.
We require written consent for any of the recordings which are also required for secondary use e.g. presentations or publication.
Patient’s personal data will only be used for the purposes that they are consented for. Patients have the right to refuse or withdraw their consent for secondary purposes at any time.
Please see the trust’s Privacy Policy - How we use your information, for further details. This can be found on the trust’s website.
Can I have copies of the photographs?
Your photographs form part of your medical record. Please ask a member of the Medical Illustration team and they will provide you with details on how you can access your records.
Complements / Complaints / Suggestions
We believe it is important to hear your views on the service and care that you have received from our department. Please make your voice heard by filling in our simple patient
survey form.
The information we gather is key to helping us to make improvements where necessary. All responses are completely anonymous and confidential.
There are three options to choose from, either to the trust’s Patient advice and liaison service (PALS) or the medical illustration surveys whether you are an inpatient or attending the hospital as an outpatient.
Just scan one of the relevant QR codes below, with your phone’s camera, to go straight to either a survey or feedback form.
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Complements / Complaints / Suggestions |
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Patient Experience PALS |
Medical Illustration Inpatient |
Medical Illustration Outpatient |
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Medical Illustration Department
Opening Times & Contact Details
Frimley Park Hospital
Open Times: Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Tel: 0300 613 4191
Email: fhft.
Location: First Floor, Yellow Street
Wexham Park Hospital
Open Times: Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Tel: 0300 615 3255
Email: fhft.
Location: Green Zone
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Medical illustration (photography) service.
About this information
Service:
Medical illustration (photography)
Reference:
KK/001
Approval date:
1 August 2025
Review date:
1 August 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.