Body-worn cameras to be permanently introduced in Antrim ED

Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department (ED)

Body-worn cameras will now become a permanent feature in the Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital, following what health officials have described as a “meaningful and constructive” pilot scheme.

The decision, approved today (Thursday, March 26) by the Board of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, also paves the way for the technology to be introduced at Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department in the near future.

Pilot scheme shows clear benefits

The move follows a 12-week trial involving senior staff in Antrim’s Emergency Department last year, which concluded that the cameras played a significant role in improving safety and helping staff manage potentially volatile situations.

While no serious incidents were recorded during the trial, the evaluation found the devices supported safer interactions between staff and patients — a key factor behind the Board’s decision to roll the scheme out permanently.

Gill Murphy, the Trust’s Executive Director of Nursing, said staff feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.

“Staff involved in the pilot reported notable positive behaviour change in some patients when staff wearing a camera were present,” she said.

“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.”

Expansion to Causeway Hospital

Following the pilot’s success, the Trust has agreed to immediately continue the use of body-worn cameras in Antrim and to expand the scheme to Causeway Hospital.

Twelve additional cameras will be purchased for use in Causeway’s Emergency Department, with a start date to be confirmed in due course.

Chair of the Trust Board, Anne O’Reilly, said the decision sends a clear message about staff safety.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

How the cameras will be used

The body-worn cameras are audio and visual recording devices designed to capture events in real time, but they will not be recording continuously.

Instead, staff will activate them only if a situation escalates. Patients or service users must be informed before recording begins and again when it stops.

The Trust has confirmed that strict controls are in place around the use of the devices, including monitoring and auditing of recorded data. It has also considered implications relating to equality, human rights, data protection, privacy and dignity.

Signage will be placed across Emergency Departments to ensure patients and visitors are aware that some staff may be wearing cameras.

Importantly, while eligible staff are encouraged to wear the devices, their use will not be mandatory.

A response to rising pressures in Emergency Departments

The rollout comes amid growing concerns around increasing incidents of aggression and violence in healthcare settings — an issue the Trust says is affecting staff wellbeing.

By making body-worn cameras a permanent fixture, the Trust hopes to deter unacceptable behaviour, support staff confidence, and reinforce a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

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At a glance

• Body-worn cameras to be permanently used in Antrim Area Hospital ED

• Scheme to be extended to Causeway Hospital ED

• Decision follows a successful 12-week pilot

• Cameras helped improve staff safety and patient interactions

• Staff reported increased confidence and better de-escalation of incidents

• No negative impact on patient care, privacy or dignity recorded

• Cameras are only activated during escalating situations

• Patients must be informed before recording begins

• 12 additional cameras to be purchased for Causeway Hospital

• Move aims to tackle rising aggression towards healthcare staff