A 12-week body camera trial has been launched in the Emergency Department (ED) at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the trial has been initiated in response to increasing incidents of abuse and aggression both within ED and across hospitals more widely.
A trust spokesperson said: “This forms part of our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of our employees, patients and visitors, which the Trust takes very seriously. We are taking this step to support the de-escalation of incidents and support action that is taken following safety incidents in terms of identifying and prosecuting any offenders.”
The cameras will be worn by key staff in ED and also by the GRH security response team who may respond to other departments in the hospital but will only be activated during an incident of abuse, violence, aggression or security risk. Individuals who are being aggressive or violent will be informed that the camera is recording and the body cams will not be switched on during normal clinical activities.
Notices will be displayed in ED to confirm body worn cameras are present and may be in use during an adverse event.
An evaluation will take place at the end of the trial.