Security staff at the James Paget are now wearing cameras to increase the safety of staff, patients and visitors to our hospital.
The cameras are being worn in locations across the hospital, including our Emergency Department.
They are being deployed to help deter incidents of violence and aggression and prevent them from escalating. Footage from the cameras can be used if further action is needed, following an incident.
The cameras will not be recording all the time, but will be switched on and ready to record when security staff are on duty in our Emergency Department or trust wide during security incidents only.
Security staff will only begin recording if a patient/visitor becomes abusive or violent. When this happens, the patient/visitor will be advised that they are being recorded.
James Paget Chief Delivery Officer Alison Stace said: “We want our hospital to be a safe and pleasant environment for everyone: our staff, patients and visitors.
“As a Trust, we are committed to keeping our hard-working staff safe when they are at work by taking action to reduce incidents of violence and aggression, which are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The introduction of body-worn cameras will help us with this aim, by acting as a deterrent. The cameras will only be used only by our security staff, who have received enhanced training to help them de-escalate situations as they arise.”
Body-worn cameras are used by security staff in many hospitals across the country, alongside extensive CCTV systems, to keep people safe.
The introduction of body-worn cameras is in line with NHS Violence Prevention and Reduction Standard, which supports healthcare organisations to implement measures to protect staff and improve safety.
Use of the cameras will be fully compliant with UK GDPR Laws and ICO guidance. Footage can only be accessed by authorised managers/supervisors, and will be deleted after 30 days when not stored for evidence.
Recordings required for Trust-led investigations or to support police or solicitor enquiries may be processed using redaction software so that individuals not involved in the incident can be obscured to protect their privacy and dignity.
