Protecting the privacy of others
We know that there may be times when you want to share your experience on social media by filming or taking a photograph while staying or visiting one of our hospitals.
However, we ask all patients and visitors to respect the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of fellow patients, visitors and staff.
Taking photographs or filming should not be done without obtaining proper consent. We ask for your support to make sure we are following NHS policies and national data protection acts and regulations that protect patient confidentiality.
There may be different policies on filming and photography depending on the ward or department. Please speak with a member of the team if you are unsure at all.
Please use the following advice:
- Speak to a member of the team if you are unsure what is allowed within that ward or department
- Don’t film other patients and members of the public where you don’t have their permission to do so, including anyone who may be in the background e.g. in busy ward or waiting areas
- Staff must be asked for their permission to be recorded, and their wishes should be adhered to
- Never post online about other patients as you could unintentionally breach patient confidentiality
- Please be kind and considerate of others as hospitals are a place where sick people are trying to recover.
If you see somebody taking pictures or filming, please speak to a senior member of staff in that department and make them aware of your concerns.
Sharing your experience online
We value and encourage feedback and there are official channels such as the national NHS website, care opinion or your local Healthwatch to you can speak to, including our patient experience team.
Please consider the impact on others of anything you are posting to your own channels and avoid sharing content that can compromise the privacy and dignity of others. Including patients, staff or visitors.
Filming and photography poster
A Filming and photography poster can be downloaded and displayed which outlines the guidelines around filming and photography permissions across University Hospitals Tees.