Body-worn cameras will soon be worn by up to 300 NSW hospital security guards.
The trial will be rolled out in nine public hospitals as part of efforts to improve staff, patient, and visitor safety.
It comes amid a 28% increase inhospital assaults over the last year.
It’s hoped the body-cams will gather evidence for future criminal proceedings, and also act as a deterrent against violence.
NSW body-worn camera trial
Security guards at hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, and the South Coast are expected to participate in the body-cam trial.
Security guards will be asked to record instances when they feel patient, visitor or staff safety is at risk.
The NSW Government plans to start the trial “as soon as possible” but said it’s still figuring out how footage will be securely stored.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Hospital safety
Almost 1,000 assaults were reported in NSW hospitals in the year to March 2024, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
The highest rate of incidents was recorded in Greater Sydney, including Penrith, the CBD, and Parramatta.
The body-cam trial is one of several recommendations from anof hospital safety in 2020.
Response
Almost 1,000 assaults were reported in NSW hospitals in the year to March 2024, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
The highest rate of incidents were recorded in Greater Sydney, including Penrith, the CBD, and Parramatta.
The body-cam trial is one of several recommendations from an independent review of hospital safety in 2020.
