Photography, Filming and Audio Recording on NHS Trust Premises

NHS Trust premises are healthcare environments where the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of patients, visitors and staff must be protected at all times. Those who use NHS sites must abide by content recording restrictions as all NHS organisations have a legal duty to protect confidential patient information. This duty arises from:

• The common law duty of confidentiality.
• The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
• The Data Protection Act 2018.
• Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998, which protects an individual’s right to respect for private and family life.

The risk that photography, filming and audio recording causes distress, harassment or intimidation, disrupt clinical services or patient care or discloses confidential or personal information means we will take every step necessary to protect confidentiality and data protection law. This may include excluding anyone who refuses to stop or to delete unauthorised recordings.

We also ask that Smart Glasses and other wearable devices capable of recording audio, video or images are not worn or used within NHS buildings and clinical areas. These devices can discreetly capture recordings, which may unintentionally include confidential patient information or images of individuals receiving care. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality is a fundamental part of providing safe and trusted healthcare. Patients and visitors who need to wear such devices for accessibility or medical reasons are encouraged to speak to a member of staff, who will be happy to discuss appropriate arrangements.

Failure to comply where recordings compromise patient confidentiality, privacy, dignity or safety, will result in referral to the Trust security team, the police, or pursual of other legal avenues as appropriate. Deliberate or unlawful disclosure of confidential information may expose individuals to civil or criminal liability.

Filming, photography or recordings for commercial purposes, media organisations, influencers, content creators, or any activity intended for publication or broadcast requires prior permission from the Trust’s Communications Team.

We ask all visitors to respect the privacy and dignity of others when inside our Trust premises and to help us maintain a safe, caring and confidential environment for everyone who uses our services.