Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust understands that patients and their families may occasionally want to take photographs or videos while in the hospital, for example, to capture the birth of a baby or to stay in touch with relatives. We aim to accommodate these wishes as much as possible, but we must also consider the needs and feelings of other patients and staff in that clinical area or ward.

Permission is key: Always get permission from the senior nurse or midwife on duty before taking any images or footage.

Focus on yourself or your relative: Only photograph or video yourself or your family member. Be mindful of other patients, visitors, or staff who might be in the background. You must get their consent if they are visible in your images or footage.

Sound recording: If you have permission to make a video with sound, please remember it will record all sounds in that area. We recommend, if possible, doing this away from the main ward to minimise disturbance.

Staff privacy: Always ask staff for their permission before recording them. Their wishes regarding being recorded must be respected.

Legal implications: To ensure we comply with the law, members of the public who record images or sounds against the Trust’s advice or without appropriate consent may face prosecution.

While using your mobile phone within Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust facilities, please do not:

• Record without permission: Do not take anyone’s photo or make a recording without their permission. This includes staff or people in the background, such as in busy waiting areas. It’s crucial to remember that taking a photo or video without consent could breach another patient’s privacy and cause them distress.
• Compromise privacy during video calls: Avoid making video calls in a way that allows the person you’re calling to see other patients, visitors, or staff members.
• Disturb others: Do not make calls or use your phone in a way that disturbs other patients.
• Interfere with patient care: Refrain from making calls or using your phone in a way that interferes with patient care.
• Use around sensitive equipment: Do not use your mobile device near sensitive medical equipment where there’s a high risk of interference. You’ll see signs indicating these areas. In such zones, please switch off your phone or enable ‘airplane mode’. Even the silent or vibrate setting could still affect medical equipment, so avoid using these.

If you see someone taking pictures and have concerns, please speak to a senior member of staff in that department. They will be happy to assist you.