In busy hospital settings, a new solution has emerged—not as a person, but as technology aimed at improving safety.

An innovative trial shows promising results, which suggests the potential for broader use in enhancing security and well-being.

This development could shift how safety is managed in healthcare environments.

Initially launched at Royal North Shore Hospital in December 2024, the 12-month trial has now spread to five hospitals across northern Sydney, southwestern Sydney, and the Illawarra, including Liverpool and Bankstown-Lidcombe hospitals.

This initiative is not just a mere experiment but a response to the concerning rise in assaults on hospital staff.

This trend has been disturbing the peace of these critical care environments.

The trial of body-worn cameras in hospitals is being expanded to more facilities after positive results. Credit: YouTube

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The concept is simple yet powerful: Security staff at the 15 participating hospitals are equipped with body-worn cameras, which they can activate during aggression or violence incidents.

The mere presence of these cameras has a psychological impact, as Liverpool Hospital’s security guard Andrew Andreou observed, 'As soon as people see the cameras, they do sort of try to behave a little bit better.'

The cameras serve as both a deterrent and a tool for de-escalation, capturing real-time evidence that can be used to address violent incidents more effectively.

This is particularly crucial in situations where alcohol and drugs are involved, adding a layer of complexity to the already stressful hospital environment.

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NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has been vocal about the necessity of this trial, stating, 'The trend in assaults in our hospitals is unacceptable, and we are taking action.'

The trial is part of a broader effort to bolster hospital security, which includes the implementation of CCTV, duress alarms, and stricter access controls.

The current regulations allow security guards to intervene only when an incident is actively occurring, but this could change.

A review of hospital security is underway, considering giving guards additional authority and protective gear such as stab-proof vests and capsicum spray.

The local community has supported the initiative, with NSW MP for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda expressing her satisfaction that Liverpool Hospital is at the forefront of this safety measure.

She and many others see the trial of body-worn cameras as a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone within the hospital premises feels safe and secure.

Minister Park has reiterated that staff and patient safety is his top priority.

He is firm in his stance that aggression towards staff is intolerable. The results of this trial are eagerly awaited as they will provide valuable insights into reducing violence and aggression in public hospitals.

As we look towards the future of healthcare, it's clear that technology will play an increasingly significant role in ensuring the well-being of those who work and seek treatment in hospitals.

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The body-worn camera trial in NSW hospitals is a testament to the proactive measures to safeguard our healthcare heroes and their patients.

It's a bold step forward and one that could very well set a precedent for healthcare facilities around the world.

Credit: YouTube​

Key Takeaways

• The NSW Government is expanding its trial of body-worn cameras in hospitals to additional facilities after initial positive results.
• The trial involves hospital security staff wearing cameras and is intended to deter and reduce violent incidents against hospital staff.
• There has been an alarming increase in assaults on hospital staff, often linked to alcohol and drug-related incidents.
• Other security measures complement the trial, and a review is considering granting security guards more authority for their safety.

Have you or your loved ones experienced safety concerns in hospitals? Do you believe that body-worn cameras could be the answer to creating a safer environment? Share your views and experiences in the comments below

 

[23Helen]

I was pushed against a wall by a patient , over forty years ago, when I was a student nurse. Welcome to the nursing profession. Another patient threw two of my colleagues against a wall, then chased me along a ward swinging a fire extinguisher over his head. Security managed to tackle him with great difficulty. I’ve been punched in the face by a confused patient. Luckily, only a cut lip. She punched her surgeon too. My best friend got in the way of a psychotic patient who’d decided he wanted to kill the elderly man in the next bed. End of her nursing career. All these events occurred on regular medical or surgical wards. Not in ED or mental health facilities. My union regularly reports nurses being spat at on the way to and from their workplaces. So much for the applause during the Covid lockdowns. Every nurse I’ve known has been attacked at some point in their careers.

 

[Haka76]

Great idea

 

[Inferno4256]

if thats what it takes then definately should be in every hospital

 

[RFG]

As a patient for several months last year in two different hospitals, I witnessed far too much of that happening. I really felt for them and could see the bruised arms, bruised faces etc;. Some nurses were just returning to work after time off from assaults. Sometimes it came from patients you would least expect it from and the verbal abuse was shameful. I made a point of telling them daily how I appreciated them, thankful for their help and always tried to add some laughter to their day. Appreciation goes a long way.

 

[Benny's Light]

It is a shame that this has to be done, but if it helps to protect staff and patients then it is a good idea. I have been in emergency at Liverpool Hospital and when very busy late at night there are many aggressive people who expect immediate attention although there may be more critical cases ahead of them. The staff do not deserve the treatment that they get from some very aggressive selfish patients.

 

[Craftylady]

Anything that protects our hard working medical staff and their patients is good with me, about time

 

[JillTAS3624]

Good work.. anything to curb the aggression towards staff.. (Been there done that )
Camera are factual and can also be shown back to the unruly or even life threatening patients..

 

[Jest]

how sad that it comes to this. all this for a few idiots, and idiots they are.

 

[Whitsun]

I was pushed against a wall by a patient , over forty years ago, when I was a student nurse. Welcome to the nursing profession. Another patient threw two of my colleagues against a wall, then chased me along a ward swinging a fire extinguisher over his head. Security managed to tackle him with great difficulty. I’ve been punched in the face by a confused patient. Luckily, only a cut lip. She punched her surgeon too. My best friend got in the way of a psychotic patient who’d decided he wanted to kill the elderly man in the next bed. End of her nursing career. All these events occurred on regular medical or surgical wards. Not in ED or mental health facilities. My union regularly reports nurses being spat at on the way to and from their workplaces. So much for the applause during the Covid lockdowns. Every nurse I’ve known has been attacked at some point in their careers.

I was pushed against a wall by a patient , over forty years ago, when I was a student nurse. Welcome to the nursing profession. Another patient threw two of my colleagues against a wall, then chased me along a ward swinging a fire extinguisher over his head. Security managed to tackle him with great difficulty. I’ve been punched in the face by a confused patient. Luckily, only a cut lip. She punched her surgeon too. My best friend got in the way of a psychotic patient who’d decided he wanted to kill the elderly man in the next bed. End of her nursing career. All these events occurred on regular medical or surgical wards. Not in ED or mental health facilities. My union regularly reports nurses being spat at on the way to and from their workplaces. So much for the applause during the Covid lockdowns. Every nurse I’ve known has been attacked at some point in their careers.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Body worn cameras and CCTV have little effect as a deterrent to crime according to many reports, especially with regards to law enforcement, of which hospital security staff are not.

Research and case studies on the impact of body-worn cameras suggest mixed outcomes. Some studies indicate that body cameras can lead to a reduction in the use of excessive force by police and increase public trust. However, other instances highlight potential misuse and the selective recording of incidents, which can result in a lack of accountability.

Hospital security staff are not trained in law enforcement and have no powers of arrest except in exceptional circumstances.

 

[Luckyus]

Great Idea, treat violence with violence or give them a needle to quiet them down or just punch the fuck out of them, works for me? If I want aggravation I'll punch a copper.

 

[MariaG]

Body worn cameras and CCTV have little effect as a deterrent to crime according to many reports, especially with regards to law enforcement, of which hospital security staff are not.

Research and case studies on the impact of body-worn cameras suggest mixed outcomes. Some studies indicate that body cameras can lead to a reduction in the use of excessive force by police and increase public trust. However, other instances highlight potential misuse and the selective recording of incidents, which can result in a lack of accountability.

Hospital security staff are not trained in law enforcement and have no powers of arrest except in exceptional circumstances.

I have to agree with you VP.
When I read the story, my initial reaction was that the only effect I see is they have on film the person they can blame after the event.
Better to have security personnel trained up and empowered to use physical restraint without causing harm.
In some cases, a padded room until they come down from whatever rage, substance or not, they are experiencing.
Nobody should be forced to work with such a cloud of harm over their heads. It is certainly a sad sign of the times.