When most people think of photography, they picture weddings, family portraits, holidays or hobbyist photography. But behind the scenes in the NHS, there’s a highly skilled team capturing something quite different – your medical story.
Clinical photography and illustration may be one of the lesser-known services within a hospital, but its impact is far-reaching. Far from simply taking pictures, this specialist field plays a vital role in supporting diagnosis, monitoring treatment, planning surgery, educating staff, and providing medico-legal documentation for East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust.
Imagine a chronic skin condition that changes over time. Verbal descriptions can only go so far. High-quality, standardised images taken by trained clinical photographers provide an accurate record. Surgeons rely on these images to prepare for complex procedures, while dermatologists can use them to track the healing process or timeline flare-ups.
The team itself is a mixed bag of medical creatives, covering a broad range of specialities including clinical photography, medical illustration, graphic design, and video production within healthcare. Together, we translate complex clinical information into clear, engaging visual content for both professionals and patients. All clinical photographers are subject to enhanced safeguarding checks to ensure the right people are selected for such sensitive roles. Importantly, we are also recognised as part of an accredited register profession, overseen by the Professional Standards Authority – giving patients confidence in our professionalism and accountability.
Understandably, some patients may feel unsure about having medical photographs taken, especially when it involves sensitive areas. That’s why consent, dignity, and confidentiality are at the heart of everything we do. You will always be asked for your permission, and you have the right to decline or withdraw consent at any time.
All clinical images are stored within our safe and secure image database, in line with data protection and patient confidentiality standards. They become part of your medical record and are only accessed by authorised healthcare professionals involved in your care.
While you might never meet the team behind the camera or the screen, our work supports your journey from diagnosis to recovery. So next time you hear “clinical photography”, think beyond the initial point and shoot – and picture a service quietly making a significant difference to patients every single day.
