A body-worn camera trial is being introduced in the Emergency Department (ED) at Maidstone Hospital, part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW), to increase the safety of staff, patients and members of the public.

Starting in the week commencing 14 July, the 12-week trial is being introduced in response to an increase in challenging behaviour in the Trust’s Emergency Departments. Other trials around the country have shown the use of body-worn cameras is effective in reducing violence and aggression, preventing situations from escalating and making NHS staff feel safer at work. Footage from body-worn cameras can also be used if further action needs to be taken following an incident.

The cameras will be worn by key ED staff, who will activate them in situations where they experience abuse or feel threatened, and only after they have notified the individual that they are going to be recorded.

The trial will be fully compliant with data protection requirements.

Speaking about the initiative, Head of Security Management at MTW, Mark Dunnett, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff, patients and visitors always comes first and remains a key priority for the Trust. The aim of the body-warn camera trial is to create a safer environment for everyone visiting, and working in, the Emergency Department and forms part of a wider project to reduce abusive behaviour across our hospitals.”

A review will take place at the end of the trial, to evaluate its success and determine next steps.

Details of the Trust’s privacy notice are available online.