Permanent body-worn camera use for ED staff agreed by Northern Trust

The Board of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust has agreed to permanently implement the use of body-worn cameras for staff working in Antrim Area Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).

The scheme will also be extended to Causeway Hospital ED.

The decision follows the conclusion and evaluation of a 12-week pilot scheme that senior staff working in Antrim ED took part in last year.

At Thuesday's meeting of the Northern Trust’s Board, members were updated on the success of the pilot scheme and its conclusion that body-worn cameras had played a “meaningful and constructive role in enhancing safety and supporting staff in managing challenging and potentially volatile situations”.

While no serious incidents were reported or recorded during the trial period, an evaluation of the pilot found that the cameras were a valuable tool in “supporting and influencing safer staff/patient interactions”.

The Trust’s Executive Director of Nursing, Gill Murphy, said that staff involved in the pilot had reported “notable positive behaviour change” in some patients when staff wearing a camera were present.

She added: “Wearing a camera also appeared to have a positive impact on staff confidence. Staff reported that the presence of the camera and having the ability to activate it, positively influenced de-escalation of any potential aggression or violence in certain situations.

“Importantly, we are assured that there has been no impact on patient care, and the privacy and dignity of patients has been maintained throughout the trial period.”

Body-worn cameras are audio and visual recording devices that allow the wearer to capture events in real time. Activation of the devices and data is strictly monitored and audited.

Before switching on the device, the member of staff must inform the patient or service user and let them know that they are being recorded. They must also inform them when recording has stopped.

Chair of the Trust Board, Anne O’Reilly, said she hoped the extension of the scheme would send an important signal that staff and patient safety, and the health and wellbeing of staff, was of utmost priority to the Board and senior management.

“We know that the vast majority of people who attend our Emergency Departments are respectful of our staff and only a very small number engage in unacceptable behaviour – but even one is one too many,” said Ms O’Reilly.

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“Sadly, we know that violence and aggression towards staff is a reality and something that we have seen increasing over the last number of years. It’s not part of the job and our staff deserve better.

“We have seen how much public support there is for our staff since the introduction of the pilot last September. By extending the scheme it is our hope, as a Board, that this will reassure staff that they are valued and boost their confidence and overall sense of wellbeing.”

The Trust Board agreed to continue the use of the body-worn cameras by staff working in Antrim Area Hospital ED with immediate effect.

It was agreed that the Trust should purchase 12 additional cameras for use in Causeway Hospital’s ED. A start date will be confirmed and communicated to the public in due course.