Since its launch, Consultant Connect’s PhotoSAF feature has transformed how clinicians capture and share clinical images securely. The first photo was taken in 2017, and our latest benchmark data shows that by 2025, more than four million images have been safely taken via the Consultant Connect App, up from three million in 2024. This steady growth reflects the continued rise in demand for fast, reliable and secure image sharing between clinicians, particularly in dermatology.
PhotoSAF allows healthcare professionals to take high-quality clinical photos and share them instantly with specialists for review and advice. In England, photos are automatically saved to the patient’s record, reducing administrative tasks and saving valuable clinical time. In NHS Scotland, PhotoSAF is the nationally mandated image solution for dermatology and is fully integrated with the National Dermatology Platform (NDP), ensuring seamless, secure image transfer as part of the referral process.
The impact is significant. Of the photos attached to e-RS Urgent Suspected Cancer (USC) referrals, 39% of patients were discharged before their two-week-wait (2WW) appointment, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits. When used for General Dermatology Advice & Guidance (A&G), 63% of patients avoided a referral altogether – helping ensure only those who truly needed specialist care are seen in clinic.
By combining secure photography with fast access to expert opinion, PhotoSAF is helping NHS teams deliver quicker, safer, and more efficient care – ensuring every patient is managed in the right place the first time.
Feedback from our users:
‘Sending pictures to dermatology allows me to learn as well as reduce unnecessary referrals. At times, I have felt that a 2WW referral was unjustified, but getting rapid advice from dermatology has helped me to double-check this with an expert. Sometimes, the advice has led to a 2WW referral when I might not have considered one.’
– Clinician in South East London ICB.
‘In my role, the safe and secure use of the app for medical photography purposes is such an efficient tool that helps my diagnosis and monitoring of wounds, lesions, and other observable complaints.’
– Healthcare support worker in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
‘It’s very easy having all clinical photos in one secure place and makes it much easier when attaching them to referrals.’
– Clinician in NHS Tayside.
If you have any questions or would like to learn how Consultant Connect can support your NHS area, please contact us on 01865 951207 or email info@consultantconnect.org.uk.
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