You can take photos or record video or audio at Austin Health for personal use as long as it does not:

• interfere with the care of the patient
• breach the privacy of other patients or visitors
• breach the privacy of staff members at Austin Health.

However, you must stop photographing or recording immediately at the request of clinical staff.

Before you take any photos or record video or audio

Before you take any photos or record video or audio, consider the following questions.

Is it an appropriate time to take a photo or make a recording?

Sometimes taking photos or making recordings may interfere with the care of the patient. If you are uncertain about this, please check with the staff caring for the patient.

Is the patient able to consent to having their photo taken or being recorded?

The patient may be too unwell to consent to having their photo taken or being recorded. In this situation, you will need permission from their next of kin.

Will hospital staff or other patients be visible in the photo or video or audible in the recording?

If you want to include staff or other patients in your images or audio, make sure you have their permission before you start taking photos or recording.

Similarly, if staff or other patients are visible or audible during VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) calls such as Skype or FaceTime, make sure you have their permission before you start transmitting.

Have you been asked by clinical staff to stop photographing or recording?

You must stop photographing or recording immediately at the request of clinical staff.

Before sharing photos, video or audio online

If you will be sharing your photos, video or audio online or via social media and the material includes Austin Health staff members, make sure you have their permission for this before you post.

You should also check the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see your images.

Non-personal use

If you want to take photos or record video or audio at Austin Health for professional purposes you will need to contact our media team.