Job Description

JOB DETAILS
Job Title:

Clinical Photographer

Band:

Band 5

Hours:

22.5 per week

Department / Ward:

Clinical Media Centre

Division:

Surgery

ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
Staff member accountable to: Head of Clinical Media Centre
Staff responsible for:

ROLE SUMMARY
1. To participate as an active member of the Clinical Media Centre, contributing to the
smooth and efficient running of the service.
2. To provide specialised clinical and non-clinical photography and video including
diagnostic images and imaging services to the Trust and outside bodies as required

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holders key relationships will be with:
Internal:
CMC Team
Other hospital departments
Healthcare professionals
Nursing staff
Patients
External:
Other hospitals
Other NHS and non-NHS bodies
Patients relatives and carers

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical: Core Responsibilities
1.
To be an effective member of a multidisciplinary team answerable to a Senior Clinical
Photographer.
2.
Undertakes Clinical Photography of patients using standardized representational
photographic techniques for diagnostic, record, teaching, publication and research
purposes, in clinics, in the studio, in operating theatres, mortuary and on the wards,
ensuring patient safety and well being whilst in their care
3.
Ensures repeatability of images by accurately logging exposure and magnification
details.
4.
Undertakes highly specialised fluorescein angiography, ICG and auto fluorescence
photographic techniques in Eye Hospital clinics as required.
5.
Produces clinical videos of patients as necessary to illustrate their conditions
6.
Carries responsibility for deciding the most appropriate photographic technique to
best demonstrate the patients condition from the options available.
7.
Assists patients with dressings as necessary.
8.
Undertakes photography for Non-accidental injury and Child Protection including the
requirements to provide police statements and to appear in a court of law if required.
9.
Carries accountability for producing images which neither exaggerate nor diminish a
condition so that they are both medically and legally valuable i.e. medico legal evidence
using advanced technical skills in computerised image manipulation, ensuring images are
reproduced accurately and with no alteration of contrast, colour or tone.
10. Uploads images onto the image management system and/or the EPR system as
required.
11. Ensures that the work passing through the department is of a highly professional
nature and that the rules of confidentiality are adhered to at all times.
12. Undertakes non-clinical photography including production of teaching materials
working closely with clients in the planning and production of their work ensuring deadlines
are met and briefs are followed.
13. Manages planning of own daily workload to meet the demands of unpredictable
clinical requests which conflict with regular pre booked clinics and liaises with Senior
Photographers for clarification as necessary.
14. Undertakes all photography within Health and Safety requirements, paying particular
attention to dental/intra-oral photography where intra-oral instruments are placed in the
patients mouth.
15. Follow the Trust's control of infection and hand washing policies.
16. Caries responsibility for the safe use, maintenance and storage of valuable digital
photographic equipment.
Management
1.
Adheres to unit protocols and policies.
2.
Is aware at all times of the requirements to follow data protection and Caldicott
requirements with particular awareness of sensitivity of the images being produced and
works within trust guidelines and policies with regard to patient consent and confidentiality
to clinical photography.
3.
Caries responsibility for assessing Gillick competency of minors and judging the
understanding of consent authorisation by the patient prior to undertaking photography.
4.
Provides advice and guidance in interpreting legislation and policy guidelines to Trust
staff when required regarding consent, confidentiality and photography.
Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

5.
Ensures correct archiving and labelling of digital images on central server. Controls
access to the information in line with the Data Protection Act
Leadership
1.
Acts as role model and advisor to less experienced staff.
2.
Supports senior staff to create a suitable, supportive and safe team environment.
3.
Supervises placement students within the photographic section of the department as
appropriate
Communication
1.
Regularly interacts with patients, carers and relatives who may have varying levels of
ability to understand or whose first language is not English.
2.
Provides and receives complicated and sensitive information, and gives explanations
and instructions clearly and concisely where barriers to communication may exist,
including challenging behaviour or learning disability.
3.
Uses tact and diplomacy when persuading distressed patients/relatives to co-operate
with the photographic procedure, especially during invasive techniques or highly charged,
emotional situations i.e. child abuse, foetal deaths, A&E/ ITU emergencies
4.
Communicates with and refers to other healthcare professionals as necessary.
5.
Responds appropriately to all telephone and personal enquiries in a sensitive and
helpful manner.
6.
Attends and contributes to regular department meetings.
Policy and Service Development
1.

Contributes to the identification of areas for change and development.

Administrative
1.
2.

Provides cover at CMC reception as necessary

Books in patient details on department database as required.

Training and Education

1.
Participates in the local induction programme for new junior staff.
2.
Maintains a personal development plan and CPD record to keep in touch with
appropriate technical and professional developments
Audit and Research
1.
Undertakes trial photography in a number of formal R&D programmes on a weekly
basis, Maintaining consistency and comparability of images and associated data and
following appropriate protocols
2.
Applies stereo retinal photography techniques for fluorescein angiography for
photodynamic therapy treatment and clinical trials following national protocols
3.
Assists with audits when necessary.
Personal and Professional Development
1.

Is active in enhancing own personal knowledge and self-development.

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

2.
3.

Attends mandatory and statutory training as required.

Attends relevant education, training and study days as required.

Other Role-Specific Duties

Carries out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and delegated or
requested by the manager or supervisor, as the needs of the service require.
2. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in
accordance with the changing needs of the ward or department and the Trust.
1.

FLEXIBILITY STATEMENT
This job description is not inflexible but is an outline and account of the main duties. Any
changes will be discussed fully with the post holder in advance. This job description will
be reviewed periodically to take into account changes and developments in service
requirements.

COMPETENCE
The post holder is required to participate in the Trust appraisal process and work towards
meeting identified development needs.
The post holder is required to demonstrate on-going continuous professional development.
At no time should clinical staff work outside their defined level of competence. If the post
holder has concerns regarding this they should immediately discuss this with their
Manager, Supervisor or Consultant. The post holder has the responsibility to inform those
supervising their duties if they are not competent to perform a duty.

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
All staff who are members of a professional body have a responsibility to ensure they are
both familiar with and adhere to standards of professional practice and conduct. Members
of Staff are responsible for ensuring the continuity of their professional registration and
providing renewal details promptly to their line manager.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

All staff members have a responsibility to treat all colleagues, patients and clients with
respect, and to ensure that the work environment is secure, mutually supportive and free
from harassment and discrimination on any grounds, notably around: age, disability,
gender, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race,
religion and belief and sexual orientation. All staff members have a duty to report any
incident which contravenes this to their line manager.

INFECTION CONTROL
All post holders have a personal obligation to act to reduce Healthcare Associated
Infections (HCAIs) and must attend mandatory training in infection prevention and control.
Post holders must comply with the Trusts Infection Control Policies as they apply to their
duties, including the Hand Decontamination Policy, Dress Code and Personal Protective
Equipment Policy.

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

Post holders have both a general responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable
adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific
duties relating to their role.

SMOKING POLICY
It is the Trusts policy to promote health. Smoking is therefore prohibited within the Trusts
grounds, buildings and vehicles.

RISK MANAGEMENT/HEALTH & SAFETY

The post holder has a responsibility to themselves and others in relation to managing risk,
health and safety and will be required to work within the policies and procedures laid down
by the Trust. All staff have a responsibility to access occupational health or other staff
support services in times of need and advice.

COMMUNICATION
Employees must adhere to the Trusts Policy and Procedure for Raising Issues of Concern
regarding patient matters, health and safety, corruption and negligence.

CONFIDENTIALITY
As an employee of this Trust you may gain privileged knowledge of a confidential nature
relating to diagnosis and treatment of patients, personal matters concerning staff or patients,
commercial confidences of third parties, and the Trusts business affairs. Such information
should not be divulged or passed to any unauthorised persons. All staff must abide by the
requirements of the Trusts Code of Conduct for Employees in Respect of Confidentiality.
Failure to comply with this requirement may constitute gross misconduct under the Trusts
Disciplinary Policy which may lead to summary dismissal.

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

Person Specification
Job Details
JOB TITLE:

Clinical Photographer

DEPARTMENT:

Clinical Media Centre

Qualifications, Experience and Personal Attributes Required to Perform the Role:D = Desirable Attribute
Qualifications

Degree or recognised equivalent in Medical Illustration or Clinical photography

Professional Registration

Registered with The National Board of Registration of Medical Illustrators

Knowledge and Experience

Non-clinical

Basic Literacy Skills

Basic Numeracy Skills
Competence in and knowledge of modern medical photographic and illustrative techniques
and the appropriate technology for their application.
Comprehensive knowledge of photographic theory.
A broad knowledge of digital imaging techniques and associated technology
Fully conversant with studio/location lighting demonstrating an advanced range of
techniques for clinical/allied clinical photography.

Clinical (where appropriate)

Good knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology gained through
training and experience.
Knowledge of disease and disease entities: signs and symptoms of disease and an

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

understanding of their inter-relationships.

Knowledge of sterile procedures and protocols in a sterile environment such as the
operating theatre
Wide knowledge and experience of different clinical photographic techniques.
Ophthalmic photographic experience including fluorescein angiography
Skills and Abilities
Communication and
Interpersonal

Good written and spoken English

Easily legible writing
Able to communicate information to patients and multidisciplinary team
Able to interpret instructions from clinicians accurately
Able to collect information from patients accurately.
Able to record photographic data accurately for record and picture archive purposes.
Team building skills
Able to communicate highly sensitive information
Able to handle patients sensitively and with empathy, especially when imparting clinical
information
Ability to supervise students/trainee photographers.

Analytical and Judgemental

Able to interpret retinal images.

Able to analyse camera image information and interpret image histograms accurately.
Able to solve technical problems
Able to make accurate judgements when interpreting clinicians requests for photography
particularly for specialised fluorescein angiography
Good organisational skills
Able to maintain accurate records and documentation
Able to prioritise and manage a range of tasks and duties with competing demands.
Good time management skills.
Able to prioritise and plan own workload
Able to organise archiving of images accurately
Care and maintenance of equipment used in course of work

Planning and Organisational

Financial

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

Information and Communication

Technology

Good computer skills

Competent image management skills
Good image manipulation and colour management skills

Supervisory and HR Management

Practical teaching and some supervision of new staff

Freedom to Act

Responsible for adhering to standard procedures within own area and for covering others.
Deals with requests from senior staff.
Works on own initiative.
Works with a reasonable degree of autonomy with responsibility for quality of own images.
Physically fit to undertake the duties of the role.
Good hand to eye coordination for precise camera handling, particularly for retinal cameras.
Good colour vision
Able to work under pressure.
Able to concentrate when being frequently interrupted
Able to prioritise work and re-prioritise as necessary
Able to problem solve
Able to work in an environment which is at times very distressing and emotionally
challenging such as dealing with bereaved parents, photographing abused children and still
born children
Able to deal with the stresses of working with difficult patients and dealing with their
concerns and complaints and to cope with the occasional aggressive behaviour of patients
.
Able to work in cramped conditions
Able to cope with exposure to unpleasant fumes and smells.
Able to make a positive contribution to a team

Physical
Mental

Emotional

Working Conditions
Personal Attributes

Job Description and Person Specification Acceptance Agreement

Date Prepared:

________________________

Agreed by:

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014

Signed by Job Holder:

________________________ Date: ______________

Signed by Line Manager: ________________________ Date: ______________

Job Reference: 379-JAN161-14

Closing Date: 15 January 2014