Northern Trust expands A&E staff body worn cameras as violence leaves colleagues unable to work
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Staff in Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department will begin using body-worn cameras tomorrow, 1 October, as the Northern Trust extends a scheme aimed at tackling violence and aggression towards frontline workers.
The rollout follows a 12-week pilot at Antrim Area Hospital, where staff reported greater confidence in managing incidents and said the presence of cameras had helped change some patients’ behaviour.
Antrim Emergency Department worker Emeria Doherty described the impact that abuse can have on colleagues:
“We have had staff who have had to finish shifts early, or have been unable to come to work, because of the impact of violence and aggression. We don’t want that, so we are very happy to wear these body-worn cameras for our safety and for the safety of our patients.”
When cameras will be switched on
The cameras record both sound and video, but will only be activated where necessary in response to escalating violence, aggression or safety concerns. They are intended primarily to deter unacceptable behaviour and help staff calm situations.
Before switching on a camera, staff must tell the patient or service user that they are being recorded. They must also tell them when recording has stopped.
Cameras will primarily be worn by nursing staff in patient-facing roles. Eligible nurses are encouraged to wear one during their shift, but doing so is voluntary.
How cameras have helped in Antrim
Ms Doherty said staff continue to rely on conversation and support to resolve difficult situations before turning to recording.
“We know that coming to hospital can be stressful, and our job often involves de-escalating situations through support and dialogue. If we’re unable to de-escalate a situation, we let people know that we’re switching the camera on. We have found that this can often turn the situation around, with people changing their behaviour.”
The pilot evaluation found the cameras were a valuable tool in “supporting and influencing safer staff/patient interactions”. Staff reported “notable positive behaviour change” in some patients when a camera-wearing member of staff was present, alongside improved confidence in managing violence and aggression.
Following that evaluation, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust Board approved permanent use of the cameras in Antrim’s Emergency Department in March 2026 and agreed to extend the scheme to Causeway.
Training and privacy safeguards
Causeway staff have been preparing through training and familiarisation with the devices. The cameras form part of a wider programme of safety measures alongside existing training and support arrangements.
The Trust said activation, access to footage and how long recordings are kept are governed by strict policies, with ongoing monitoring and audit. It said privacy, dignity, equality, human rights and data protection had been considered, and the scheme would operate in accordance with Trust guidance and relevant legislation.
Dr Naomi Baldwin, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Nursing and project lead, said:
“We have been really encouraged by the positive response from both service users and staff to the introduction of body-worn cameras in our Emergency Department at Antrim, and I am pleased that we are now extending the scheme to Causeway to support even more of our frontline colleagues.”
Staff deserve to feel safe at work
Trust Board chair Anne O’Reilly said the extension reflected the importance placed on staff and patient safety, as well as employees’ health and wellbeing.
“As a Board, the issue of violence and aggression against staff is something we take very seriously. We know that the vast majority of people 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.
“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.”
Patients, service users, relatives and visitors will be able to help shape how the scheme operates through a public survey available in Causeway’s Emergency Department via posters and a QR code.
The survey will run for 12 weeks after implementation, with feedback informing the cameras’ ongoing use and the development of the scheme.
