A body worn camera trial has been started in our emergency departments (ED) at Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne DGH, as part of our continued work to increase the safety of colleagues, patients and members of the public.
The cameras are being trialled in response to an increase in reports of challenging behaviours.
The use of body worn cameras has been steadily increasing in health and care settings across the UK and evidence has shown them to be effective in reducing violence and aggression, preventing situations from escalating and making NHS colleagues feel safer at work. Footage from body worn cameras can also be used if further action needs to be taken following an incident.
The cameras are being worn by selected ED colleagues who will activate them in situations where they experience abuse or feel threatened, and only after they have notified the individual that they are going to be recorded.
The trial is fully compliant with data protection requirements.
The impact of violence and aggression on colleagues cannot be underestimated, whether a one-off incident or repeated experience, and our hope is that the implementation of body worn cameras, alongside other projects to reduce violence and aggression, will improve the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, patients and visitors.
A review will take place at the end of the trial, which will last 12 weeks, to evaluate its success and determine next steps.