| 07 November 2011
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has purchased three body-mounted surveillance cameras, in a bid to combat incidents of violence and aggression against staff and patients.
The high-tech cameras will be worn by fully trained security officers and can be activated if an incident of violence and disorder occurs. The officer will warn the person that they are being video recorded.
The camera records images just like CCTV, but with the extra advantage of recording sound. It is hoped that the cameras will provide a deterrent and evidence for police prosecutions against offenders.
Sue Bolt, (Security Manager) said: “Other London hospitals have seen a dramatic reduction in violent incidents since introducing the cameras. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in particular reported a 60% reduction in verbal abuse and 29% less recorded incidents of aggression following the introduction of body cameras, and we are very hopeful that the same will be found here.
“Our patients and staff should not be subjected to assaults whether it’s verbal or physical, and we hope that this new introduction will mean that an aggressive situation can be calmed down before it escalates any further.”
The cameras were purchased from Reveal Media who specialise in providing body worn video solutions. Reveal Media have and will continue to work closely with the Trust to support a successful launch of our cameras.