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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Managerial:

1. To be responsible for ensuring the consistent quality of all photography produced within the department. That the condition has been accurately interpreted and the correct lighting technique has been used to ensure it is medically and legally valuable and to the correct professional standard.

2. To follow all Trust policies and departmental protocols e.g. patient confidentiality, consent, data protection, clinical governance, copyright, chaperoning and procedures for processing and uploading the clinical images to the Patient Archiving Communication System (PACS).

3. To maintain records of maintenance, repair and distribution of all photographic/video equipment.

4. To liaise with team members to ensure the best use of available resources and to ensure photographic cover.

5. To deal with difficult situations in a calm and pleasant manner, while finding solutions to complex problems.

6. To advise and communicate any issues with clinical photography to the Medical Illustration Manager.

7. To be conversant with modern trends in clinical, scientific and technical media and to keep abreast of technological development within the photographic/video fields.

8. To assist in the implementation of new technologies and techniques as appropriate.

9. To ensure that all clinical and technical images are appropriately backed up and stored.

10. To be responsible for the archiving of images of the Trust, both historical and current.

11. To be involved in the training and supervision of other staff and learners.

12. To be an active panel member in any recruitment and selection process.

13. To be the lead for video production for the department from conception to completed item including liaising with consultant staff, senior managers and other healthcare professionals.

Clinical: Core Responsibilities:

1. To provide clinical photography of the treatment and condition of patients in the studio, wards, clinics and in the operating theatre. This will involve specialties such as oncology, colorectal, urology, gynaecology and plastic & reconstructive surgery. To produce clinical photographs for use in such areas as teaching, research, public relations, health promotion and staff training.

2. To undertake clinical photography across the Christie site.

3. To work in line with protocols to standardise the photography of patients involved in clinical trials. This will involve working in accordance with customer requirements.

4. To ensure that an explanation is given to the patient about the whole photographic process, that patient permission has been obtained and that the confidentiality of the patient information and patient records is maintained.

5. To undertake intra-oral photography including the insertion of mirrors and retractors into the oral cavity and have a sound knowledge of infection control and sterilisation procedures.

6. To take photographs of dermatology patents using a dermatoscope as and when required.

7. To be fully conversant with the professional institutes (Institute of Medical Illustrators) code of conduct, which outline the professional behaviour and responsibilities expected of members.

8. To have an understanding of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology achieved through knowledge of operating procedures and practice in theatres, wards, clinics and relevant hospital areas and have attained a professional qualification in clinical photography or equivalent.

9. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour

Non-Clinical Photography:

1. Photography of non-clinical subjects and situations for use in such areas as teaching, research, health promotion, health and safety and staff training.

2. Photography of individual and group portraiture both on location and in the studio. The aim is to provide both traditional and contemporary images according to personal requirements.

3. Provide still-life photography of equipment, instruments and other objects.

4. Photography of anatomical specimens, culture plates and other laboratory material. You may be asked to photograph equipment relating to DATIX alerts or damaged equipment for clinical risk.

5. To provide technical photography in difficult areas, such as sewers, boiler rooms and fire damaged areas for insurance purposes.

6. To scan and print from a variety of sources, including x-ray, slide and medical journals to produce high-quality digital reproductions.

7. Copy work to include slide copying and back-illuminated copying of X-rays.

Communications:

1. To demonstrate professional and patient communication skills in the departmental studio, clinics, wards and theatres involving sensitivity, tact and diplomacy to ensure the patient is fully informed of the reason for the photography that is often of an intimate and invasive nature.

2. To support patients who may be nervous, embarrassed or anxious putting them at ease and providing them with reassurance, particularly where language or cultural differences are a barrier. A high degree of empathy and support is required when dealing with upset patients, parents and/or family members to gain agreement and co-operation.

3. To communicate complex information to professionals and patients or carers. Typically, this will involve explaining issues surrounding the use of clinical images; such as levels of permission, confidentiality, distribution, copyright, security, data protection and Caldicott Guidelines.

4. To have an awareness of cultural and religious beliefs; this will include communication with patients for who English is not their first language, hearing impaired and those with learning disabilities.

5. To be positive and diplomatic when discussing what can be technically achieved within work flow time constraints.

6. The post holder will be required to train other healthcare professionals on the use of the ‘out of hours’ cameras.

7. To chair departmental staff meetings when the Manager is unable to attend.

8. To keep up to date with photographic, operational and Trust developments and disseminate relevant information to staff.

9. To manage the technical processes for the sharing and dissemination of information which is clinically sensitive, and maintain confidentiality.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills:

1. To be proficient in the use of complex, specialised cameras and lighting systems and have a high degree of visual awareness as well as speed, accuracy and dexterity when working in confined clinical areas.

2. To be proficient in Public Relations (PR) Photography.

3. To have advanced computer skills for image manipulation, editing, colour management, secure storage, distribution and printing of clinical and non-clinical images. Inputting sensitive clinical images onto PACS to allow clinicians to quickly access images.

4. To use a range of specialist software packages, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, PACS, Adobe premiere, Image Database and Microsoft Office.

Planning and organising:

1. To plan the workflow of the photographers on a daily basis ensuring availability of equipment and resources.

2. To propose changes to working practice within own working area and work with the Manager of the department to implement and audit these procedures.

3. To ensure that the equipment including computer hardware/software are most up to date in order to run the clinical photography service.

4. The post holder will assist the Medical Illustration Manager in business development and strategic planning for the photographic and video section in relation to income generation.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development and Implementation:

1. To ensure that consent procedures are adhered to and that images are stored and uploaded onto the hospital Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) with appropriate security and confidentiality and in line with Caldicott principles and data protection.

2. To ensure that patients receive adequate information to be able to give ‘Informed Consent’ for photography and to know what procedures to follow with regard to children and patients who lack the mental capacity to consent.

3. To keep detailed records of photographic sessions,

4. To work within the Professional Code of Conduct of the Institute of Medical Illustrators and adhere to local Trust, Department of Health and health and safety policies.

5. To produce guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Photography Section.

6. To keep skills up to date with industry standard software.

7. To have a sound knowledge of infection prevention and control practices and maintenance of a safe environment.

Leadership:

1. The post holder will be responsible for the day to day management of the clinical photography team. This will include ensuring compliance with all mandatory training and induction, annual leave, appraisals, all HR (including disciplinary) processes, recruitment etc.

2. The post holder will be responsible for planning the workload of the clinical photography team.

3. Acts as role model and advisor to less experienced staff.

4. Supports the departmental manager to create a suitable, supportive and safe team environment.

5. Supervises placement students within the department as appropriate

Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources:

1. Make effective contributions to income generation targets and participate in cost improvement schemes.

2. To be able to provide accurate costings prior to commencing work.

3. To propose new purchases within own area of work.

4. To be responsible for ordering stock.

5. To be responsible for the care and security of expensive photographic equipment.