I was on life support and in a medically induced coma for a few weeks and wasn't expected to survive. My parents, who live abroad, wanted to take photographs of me since they didn't have any recent ones and felt it was their last chance. Staff wouldn't allow this, I believe the reason given was to do with something like I wasn't able to consent to the photographs. This upset my parents greatly. I don't really understand the reasons for this as if they had expected me not to awake from the coma surely more harm would be caused by not allowing them to take photos? Is this a general policy?

I am now left with severe uncontrolled epilepsy due to the brain injury sustained. Is there a way that I can give permission in advance should I, god forbid, end up in a similar situation?