NHS Filming: Staff Concerns & Social Media
- Healthcare professionals within the National Health service are expressing growing anxiety over patients recording their medical treatments and posting them on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- One radiology department assistant on the south coast recounted an incident where a 19-year-old daughter filmed the insertion of a cannula into her mother, a cancer patient.
- The incident also raised concerns about a nearby patient consenting to a colonoscopy while the filming occurred.
NHS staff are sounding the alarm: patient filming of medical treatments for social media is raising serious concerns. The primary worries revolve around patient privacy and the potential for breaches of confidentiality.Healthcare professionals fear their work could be subject to online scrutiny, and the need for clear guidelines on filming practices is becoming increasingly urgent. Incidents have highlighted the sensitive nature of patient data and situations where privacy is unintentionally compromised during filming. The society of Radiographers and othre key figures are advocating for stricter policies requiring permission before filming. learn how NHS trusts are responding to these rising issues at News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
NHS Staff Concerned About Patients Filming Medical Treatment for Social Media
Updated June 17, 2025
Healthcare professionals within the National Health service are expressing growing anxiety over patients recording their medical treatments and posting them on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The trend raises notable concerns about patient privacy and the potential for staff members’ work to be scrutinized online. The society of radiographers (SoR) has publicly addressed these issues following several incidents involving patients or their companions filming medical care.
One radiology department assistant on the south coast recounted an incident where a 19-year-old daughter filmed the insertion of a cannula into her mother, a cancer patient. The staff member, who remained unnamed, said the daughter wanted to capture the procedure for social media entertainment but did not seek permission. The assistant worried about potential imperfections being recorded and scrutinized, leading to a sleepless weekend.
The incident also raised concerns about a nearby patient consenting to a colonoscopy while the filming occurred. The staff member feared sensitive data, including names and dates of birth, could have been inadvertently recorded. ashley d’Aquino, a therapeutic radiographer in London, shared a similar experience where a patient covertly recorded a staff member after initially requesting photographs for a cancer blog. D’Aquino noted the discomfort and anxiety caused by the visibility of name badges in such videos.
Dean Rogers,the SoR’s director of industrial strategy and member relations,urged NHS trusts to ensure patients understand the need for permission before filming. He emphasized the importance of considering whether recordings breach patient confidentiality or hinder the delivery of care. Dr. Katharine Halliday, president of the Royal College of Radiologists, echoed these sentiments, stressing that filming rules protect the privacy and dignity of both patients and staff.
Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s co-national medical director, emphasized the need to support patient understanding of diagnoses and treatments. However, she stressed that any recording of NHS care must be discussed with healthcare professionals and remain for personal use only.Pandit warned against inadvertently recording other patients,wich could breach confidentiality,and cautioned against posting such recordings on social media.
What’s next
NHS trusts are expected to review and reinforce their policies regarding filming in clinical settings to protect patient privacy and staff well-being.Further guidance may be issued to clarify acceptable practices and ensure a balance between patient empowerment and confidentiality.