CCTV trials in ambulances and A&E

Story link: CCTV trials in ambulances and A&E by Jan Harris

Patients receiving emergency medical treatment in emergency departments and ambulances are entitled to privacy, but at the same time the people administering the treatment are entitled to expect to be able to work without fear of verbal or physical abuse.

The growing number of attacks on emergency healthcare staff has led to the government launching a CCTV trial at four hospitals in Wales and in some ambulances.

CCTV cameras will be installed in accident and emergency units at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, Royal Gwent in Newport, West Wales General in Carmarthen and Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

The move is bound to be controversial, especially as the cameras will be installed in both clinical and non-clinical areas, which surely goes against a patient’s right to privacy.

However, with thousands of NHS staff assaulted at work every year, their rights have to be taken into account too.

The move is supported by unions and the government.

How the general public will react remains to be seen.