Senior Clinical Photographer, Band 6

Job description

Job 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 patients 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 (Fotoware and MJM) within the department, being mindful of the need for a defined audit trail. Controlling access to systems in line with the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

- Maintain a CPD record to keep abreast of current technical developments relating to medical photography.

- 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.

- Deliver high-quality non-clinical corporate and commercial photographic services, showing competence in translating client briefs and expectations, lighting, editing and technical equipment proficiency.

- A high level of specialist, technical and practical knowledge and proficiency in all areas of clinical photography of various complexities. With a high degree of skill and experience to be able to produce images to the highest professional standards

- Knowledge in the safe handling of patients and clinical material and/or equipment which may be infectious such as specimens and orthodontic equipment.

- Ability to provide clinically relevant scientific/technical advice to service users.

- Computer literacy to a high level with sound knowledge and experience of: data base software and Windows operating systems and demonstrable competency to an advanced level in the use of a range of computer image manipulation software.

- Demonstrable ability to effectively participate in Research and Development including evaluation of new working practices and methodologies.

- Sufficient dexterity and speed to be able to work accurately and quickly, as well as safely, in theatre and ophthalmology.

- Sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as clinical conditions and the associated appearance.

- Ability to analyse own work and reflect on working practices.

- Be responsible for imaging equipment used and ensure that the equipment is well maintained, secure and hygienic for clinical purposes.

- Maintain and update digital database of photographic clinical image files. Responsible for data entry and archiving of material to exact standards in order to maintain authenticity of material which may later be used for legal proceedings.

- Ensure that confidential material is stored correctly and securely at all times and if required destroyed appropriately.

- Maintain security of both department sites and equipment, making sure it is secure after working hours.

- Continually audit quality, performance and activity so that trends and changes to the service can be predicted and improvements made.

- Be able to provide accurate, timely and well-constructed reports, policies and procedures when requested.

- Have knowledge of and uphold legislation and policies as well as of ethical issues relating to clinical photography e.g. Data Protection, Consent and Lone Working.

- Identify individual areas of learning that require updating/undertaking.

- Manage the training and learning of staff and ensure that they undertake appropriate training, balancing the requirements of technical advances and the needs of the Trust with those of the individual.

- Liaise with other Trust departments to facilitate and share training and learning opportunities.

- Deliver teaching of specialist clinical photographic techniques to pre-qualified Clinical Photographers and facilitate their professional development in order that they gain the appropriate professional qualification which will allow them to practice unsupervised.

- Deliver teaching of photographic techniques; train non-photographic practitioners in the capture and processing of images, consent and image ethics, access to records and data assurance.

Communications and Working Relationships

- 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.

- Liaise with senior clinicians and organisational managers to understand their requirements of the service, and to provide accurate advice regarding the service to clinicians and other members of staff.

- Be able to demonstrate understanding of special requirements and the conventions of communicating scientific, technical and medical information to experts and patients.

- Liaise with multi-disciplinary staff regarding clinical and non-clinical photography and events.

- Deputize and lead for the Clinical Photography Manager in their absence e.g Team Meetings

- Work and communicate, when necessary, with the police and the legal profession in the production and supply of medico-legal photography (including the preparation of statements for use in court) to be used as evidence and if required act as an expert witness.

Mental and Emotional effort

- Act as immediate support to Band 5 and Trainee Band 5 Team members when required for exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances e.g., clinical recording of terminally ill, safeguarding and memory making

- 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.

- 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, whilst still maintaining a high standard of patient care. The nature of the job entails regular interruptions and necessitating changing from one task to another to meet demands from clinical colleagues

- Managing team, patient and client expectations, workloads and stressful working environments where demand greatly exceeds capacity on a daily basis.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Medical Illustration / Clinical Photography or a Degree in Photography together with a PGC in Medical Illustration, or equivalence.
• Academy for Health Care Science Registration

Desirable

• Membership of a professional body. A commitment to improving personal skills and knowledge through Continuous Professional Development.
• Introduction to Good Clinical Practice Training

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in clinical photography, including teledermatology and ophthalmic imaging.
• Experience in delivering non-clinical corporate and commercial photographic services.
• Experience in teaching and training others in clinical photography techniques.

Desirable

• Experience in supervising and managing a team.
• Experience in research and development within the field of medical photography

Knowledge

Essential

• High level of technical proficiency in clinical photography techniques.
• Proficiency in using image manipulation software and database systems (e.g., Adobe, Fotoware, MJM).
• Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and clinical conditions.
• Knowledge of data protection, consent, and confidentiality regulations.

Desirable

• Ability to produce high-quality reports, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of wider Trust policies and protocols.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Empathetic and sensitive approach to patient care.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in challenging situations.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care and professional practice.

Desirable

• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Innovative and proactive in service development.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Medical Photography, Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN

Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)