Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is trialling the use of body worn cameras in emergency departments to tackle an increase in violent and abusive behaviour.
The three-month trial is being introduced at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, and North Manchester General Hospital.
The cameras are the size of a smart phone and will be worn by designated clinical staff in an effort to create a safer environment for both staff and other patients.
The introduction of body worn cameras follows a 31 per cent increase in reports of abusive behaviour since 2021 including physical assaults, verbal abuse and other anti-social behaviour.
Mark Cubbon, group chief executive officer for MFT, said: “We have not reached the decision to introduce body-worn cameras lightly, but the safety and wellbeing of our staff, patients and visitors will always come first.
“These cameras will offer protection by deterring violence, abuse, and unacceptable behaviour, letting our staff focus on treating patients in safe surroundings.
“Our colleagues go above and beyond every day to support our patients in often trying circumstances. While we understand being in hospital can be a frightening and frustrating time for patients and their families, abuse of staff is unacceptable.”
The cameras record both video and audio but will only be turned on by staff if they feel that they are at risk of verbal or abusive behaviour. Posters in the trial areas will inform patients and visitors of the use of the cameras.
A nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke about her experience of being assaulted which left her with serious injuries and requiring time away from work.
After being made aware of a patient exhibiting aggressive behaviour, she contacted security and went to check on other patients before she was assaulted. She said:
“I came back into the main bay and saw that the patient was in bed, so I started to pick up the mess. Security had been contacted and they were on the way, but quick as a flash I heard the patient say something. He’d gotten out of bed and the next thing I knew he’d headbutted me with such force that it threw me back a few feet onto another bed.
“It could happen to anybody at any time. I just remember the pain, and the ringing in my ears. It was a horrible sound, and I couldn’t hear.
“I thought I’d be ok, but I ended up with post-concussion syndrome which led to vertigo and feeling really dizzy. I couldn’t look up or down and I couldn’t pick my grandson up. It had a massive effect on me, and I ended up staying off work for over four months.”
