Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Aptitude Required

To be accountable for producing images which are both medically and legally valuable, ensuring the photograph is reproduced accurately and with no alteration to the subject.

Be responsible for choosing the most appropriate photographic technique to demonstrate the patient’s condition. This will include cross lighting and specialist photographic techniques such as dermoscopy for dermatology lesions e.g. melanoma.

To provide, when required, advice and guidance in interpreting legislation and policy guidelines regarding consent, confidentiality and photography. Ensuring that the rules of confidentiality are adhered to at all times and informed consent is provided by the patient (or person with appropriate legal responsibility) prior to undertaking photography.

To maintain administrative and relevant image database systems within the department being mindful of the need for a defined audit trail. Controlling access to the information in line with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

Maintain a CPD record to keep abreast of current technical developments relating to medical photography and ophthalmic imaging provision.

Ensure office, studio, clinic facilities are kept clear and well-ordered and that all equipment is maintained to acceptable and professional standards. The post holder will contribute to infection control performance of the Trust.

Communications and Working Relationships

Carry out duties as a Clinical Photographer in a competent and professional manner; working as part of a wider team and also managing own standards of work, working unsupervised from day to day. Apply a high level of communication skills within the smaller and extended team.

Communicate in a sensitive and empathetic manner with patients that are emotional, distressed or in pain. Being mindful of cultural and religious views and beliefs, to ensure all patients’ and customers’ specific photographic needs are fulfilled, and that clinical priorities are met.

Work in conjunction with multidisciplinary teams in a range of outpatient clinics to ensure the smooth running of busy, time sensitive clinics are met.

Mental and Emotional effort

Due to the nature of the clinical work, clinical photographers are often exposed to distressing or emotional circumstances e.g. clinical recording of terminally ill, abused and deceased, exposure to visually disturbing sights, wounds, body cavities and odours.

Undertake photography of patients with medical conditions, non-accidental injuries, infectious diseases, debilitating disorders, major trauma, open wounds and sores etc.

Undertake photography of neonatal and infant death cases, deceased and dying, for records and at the request of relatives for memory making purposes.

Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure in busy Teledermatology and Ophthalmic Imaging Clinics, maintaining good professional attitude with patients and staff.

Physical Effort and Working Conditions

To ensure medical photography in all disciplines is undertaken with speed, dexterity, accuracy, and with adherence to infection control protocols and manual handling guidelines.

Requirement to conduct ophthalmic imaging clinics in a darkened room, using visual display units and specialist equipment, often in confined spaces.

There is a daily requirement for long periods of concentration e.g. during Teledermatology, Ophthalmic OCT Clinics or Image processing, but this work pattern can be unpredictable with frequent interruptions requiring quick responses.

To remain calm and focused during clinics, particularly during adverse conditions, such as IT failure.

Requirement to work within recognised Manual Handling guidelines. There is a requirement for the post holder to lift heavy photographic equipment and maintain awkward positions to gain correct anatomical views and best photographs.

Most Challenging Part of the Job

Ability to carry out duties in a professional and understanding manner, working autonomously, often under pressure and in distressing conditions, such as adult and child safeguarding and neonatal bereavement, whilst still maintaining a high standard of patient care.