The Trust recognises that, on occasion, patients and their families may wish to take photographs or videos while in hospital, for example to celebrate the birth of a baby or to keep in touch with relatives. Wherever possible, we aim to accommodate these wishes. However, we must also consider the privacy, dignity and wishes of other patients, visitors and staff within the clinical area or ward.

Please adhere to the following advice:

  • It is important that the senior nurse or midwife on duty gives permission before any photographs, videos or recordings are taken.
  • Take photographs or recordings only of yourself or your relative. Be mindful of other patients, visitors or staff who may appear in the background. Their consent must be obtained before they are photographed or recorded.
  • If permission has been given for a video with sound to be recorded, please be aware that it may capture conversations and other sounds within the area. Where possible, recordings should be made away from shared ward environments.
  • Staff must be asked for their permission to be recorded, and their wishes must be respected at all times.
  • The use of Meta Smart Glasses or any other wearable technology capable of taking photographs, recording video or capturing audio is not permitted without the knowledge and permission of staff. Any recording must comply with the same requirements for consent and privacy as recordings made on mobile phones or other devices.
  • Images, videos or recordings taken within our hospitals must not be shared on social media or other online platforms if they include patients, visitors or staff who have not given their consent, or if they contain confidential or sensitive information.
  • To ensure that we comply with the law, members of the public recording images or sounds against the Trust's advice or without the appropriate consent may be liable to prosecution.

When using mobile phones within Frimley Health hospitals patients must not:

  • Take photographs or recordings of anyone without their permission, including staff or people in the background of photos, for example in busy waiting areas. Taking photographs or videos without consent could breach another patient's privacy and cause distress.
  • Use Meta Smart Glasses or other wearable devices to take photographs, record video or capture audio without permission.
  • Share photographs, videos or recordings taken in hospital on social media where they identify patients, visitors or staff without their explicit consent.
  • Make video calls in a way that allows the other person to see any other patients, visitors or staff members.
  • Make calls or use devices in a way that disturbs other patients.
  • Make calls or use devices in a way that interferes with patient care.
  • Use mobile devices around sensitive equipment where there is a particularly high risk of interference. Signs will make it clear where devices should not be used. Please switch devices off or enable 'airplane mode'. Do not leave devices on silent or vibrate, as they could still affect medical equipment.

If you see somebody taking photographs or recordings and are concerned about your privacy, please speak to a senior member of staff in the department, who will do their best to help.