Hospital to introduce body-worn cameras to combat attacks on staff

Body-worn cameras are being introduced for staff working in the emergency department of the Ulster Hospital in an attempt to combat an increase in violent attacks and abuse.

The South Eastern Trust said there were 1,911 incidents of violence and aggression towards their staff between April and December last year.

The trust hopes the introduction of the cameras at the hospital in Dundonald from Monday will help to improve staff safety.

Staff who choose to wear the devices will attach them to their uniforms and can activate the cameras if they feel unsafe.

Once activated, the cameras will record both video and audio.

Staff who are wearing the cameras will announce when the device is being activated and when recording has stopped.

Maggie Magowan, clinical manager for emergency medicine, said: “Every day, our staff come to work with one purpose, to care for people who may be frightened, in pain or going through some of their most difficult moments of their lives.

“Providing safe, compassionate and respectful care is at the heart of everything we do.

“It is deeply distressing that we continue to see increasing levels of violence and aggression directed towards our staff.

“No-one should ever feel afraid while doing their job, especially when that job is to support and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Marc Neil, director of unscheduled care, medicine and cancer services, said: “The introduction of body-worn cameras is a supportive measure designed to help keep our staff safe.

“These cameras will only be activated if a member of staff feels unsafe or a situation begins to escalate.

“Our goal is always to de‑escalate and to prevent harm, and we hope the presence of these cameras will reassure staff while also acting as a deterrent to aggressive behaviour.

“We want our teams to know that their wellbeing matters deeply to us.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to make their working environment as safe and supportive as possible.

“Staff deserve to feel protected, valued and cared for, just as they care so tirelessly for others.”