Body-worn cameras set to enhance safety at Antrim Area Hospital

In a pioneering move to enhance safety for both healthcare professionals and patients, Antrim Area Hospital has announced a 12-week trial of body-worn cameras in its Emergency Department, set to commence in September.

The initiative, approved by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust Board on Thursday, 26 June, follows a public consultation that showed overwhelming support, with 91% of respondents endorsing the pilot.

The decision comes in response to growing concerns about violence and aggression towards healthcare staff, an issue that has plagued hospitals across the UK. The trial aims to act as a deterrent to unacceptable behaviour, fostering a safer environment for staff working under immense pressure and for patients seeking care.

Anne O’Reilly, chair of the Trust Board, highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue:

“Sadly, we have become accustomed to reading headlines about health and social care staff being attacked or subjected to wholly unacceptable abuse. 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.”

O’Reilly expressed disappointment that such measures are necessary but underscored the potential benefits:

“Of course, it’s disappointing that we are even having to consider such action, however, we hope that this pilot will act as a deterrent and make people stop and think about their behaviour towards our staff, and indeed other patients.”

The initiative aligns with the Department of Health’s recent framework to tackle violence and aggression in healthcare settings, launched last year under the campaign strapline: “Violence and aggression. It’s not part of the job.”

Developed in collaboration with Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts and Trade Unions, the framework underscores a collective commitment to protecting healthcare workers.

To support this goal, the Northern Trust has established an internal Management of Violence and Aggression (MOVA) working group and developed a staff toolkit to provide managers with resources to support team members affected by workplace aggression.

Audrey Harris, the Trust’s Director of Medicine and Emergency Medicine, emphasised the need for action:

“We owe it to our staff to do all we can to address violence and aggression in the workplace. Emergency Departments are always extremely busy and staff are working in very challenging circumstances under huge pressure to provide care for all those who come through the doors; they need our support. They should not have to deal with or tolerate any form of abuse; nor should patients have to witness those kinds of unacceptable behaviours.”

Addressing privacy and ethical concerns

The Trust has taken careful steps to address concerns surrounding equality, human rights, data protection, privacy, and dignity in the use of body-worn cameras in a healthcare setting.

The cameras will not record continuously; they will only be activated to capture footage if a situation escalates, and staff are required to inform patients when recording is taking place. Clear signage will be displayed throughout the Emergency Department to ensure patients and visitors are aware of the trial.

This approach reflects the Trust’s commitment to balancing enhanced security with respect for patient privacy, ensuring the trial adheres to ethical and legal standards.

A step towards safer healthcare environments

The 12-week trial, involving healthcare staff in Antrim’s Emergency Department, will be closely monitored, with a comprehensive evaluation planned upon its conclusion.

The outcomes will be presented to the Trust Board in a detailed report, which will inform future decisions about the potential wider adoption of body-worn cameras across other departments or facilities.

The initiative has garnered significant support, with the public consultation revealing strong community backing for measures to protect healthcare workers.

As the NHS and HSC Trusts across the UK grapple with rising incidents of violence, Antrim Area Hospital’s trial could set a precedent for other hospitals seeking innovative solutions to ensure staff and patient safety.

O’Reilly concluded:

“It’s encouraging to see that the overwhelming majority of respondents to the consultation (91%) are supportive of this pilot going ahead and, as a Board, that gives us a great deal of reassurance that this is the right course of action.”

As the trial prepares to launch, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust remains committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all who work in and visit Antrim Area Hospital.