What is the project about?

The South West Neonatal Network and the South West Regional Maternity and Perinatal Team are working together on an important project to improve the diversity of the images we use across our region. We believe it's essential that all families who rely on Maternity and Neonatal (newborn) care in our hospitals feel included and valued.

One way we're doing this is by ensuring the photos and images we use in our posters, leaflets, and other materials truly represent the diverse community we serve. We’re committed to making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and a part of the care we provide.

Currently, many of the images we use feature only white mothers and babies, which doesn’t reflect the vibrant diversity of our region. We want our materials to better capture the individuality of all families who come through our doors.

We would like to invite mums, dads, parents and families from our local community to take part in our photography project. We especially welcome families who are:

• Of Black, Asian or non-White heritage

• Part of the LGBTQ+ community

• Living with disability
  

What will happen if I choose to take part?

Taking part in this project is completely voluntary. If you agree to take part, a midwife or nurse and a photographer will introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have before asking you to sign a consent form. The team are there to make you feel comfortable and supported to be photographed and you can ask to stop at any time.

If you are pregnant, a midwife and photographer will direct you and take photographs of you in the hospital setting with healthcare professionals. 

If your baby has been born, a nurse and photographer will be present, taking photographs of you and your baby/ babies. The team will not interfere with your baby’s care, just photograph your daily activities.

 Some examples of photographs we may take are:

• You with your partner or family member

• You talking with a health professional

• You, your partner or family member cuddling and caring for your baby (e.g. skin-to-skin or feeding).

• Your baby/babies in a cot or incubator

• Your baby/babies receiving care (e.g. phototherapy for jaundice or being fed by a feeding tube).

Your rights and well-being are a priority throughout the project and on the day. We will make sure that everyone involved in the project is kept comfortable and safe. The midwife and nurse involved are experienced maternity and neonatal care and baby observations. The photographers are qualified and regulated clinical photographers specialising in both clinical and non-clinical photography. Should you have any concerns, please speak to the photographer or nurse as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can email: SWNeonatalNetwork@uhbw.nhs.uk

What information will you collect about me?

We will collect your name and email and ensure that your personal information is kept confidential and secure. We collect this information so we can contact you about the project.

How will my image be used?

The images will be used by NHS maternity and neonatal services across the South West of England. Images may be used in materials promoting its work, training materials, websites, social media and for photography on display in units and clinics.  

What if I want to withdraw my image?

You can change your mind about taking part in the project at any time, if so please let one of the team know.

If you would like to withdraw your consent after the photography project please email:

For University Hospitals Bristol and Weston - medicalIllustration@uhbw.nhs.uk

For Gloucester Royal – Ghnhsft.medphoto@nhs.net .

 As soon as we receive your request, we will remove your consent and if any photos have been taken, they will be deleted from our digital library. Any photographs that have already been published (printed or online) in line with the prior consent, may continue to be used for the purpose they were published. 

Who can I contact about this project?

For more information about this project please email SWNeonatalNetwork@uhbw.nhs.uk, or complete the form below.