The South Eastern Trust will introduce wearable cameras for Emergency Department staff at the Ulster Hospital from the week commencing 23 March 2026, aiming to enhance safety following 1911 reported incidents of violence and aggression against staff last year.

The Trust says it operates a zero‑tolerance approach to abuse, aggression or violence towards its workforce, who care for people at their most vulnerable.

Between April and December last year, there were 1911 incidents of violence and aggression directed at staff, which is completely unacceptable.

The new cameras are intended to improve staff safety within the Emergency Department.

Those who opt to use the devices will attach them to their uniforms and can switch them on if they feel unsafe or if a situation begins to escalate.

Once activated, the cameras will capture both video and audio.

Staff wearing the devices will inform people when recording starts and when it has ended. Welcoming the introduction of the body worn cameras, the Clinical Manager for Emergency Medicine, Maggie Magowan said "Every day, our staff come to work with one purpose, to care for people who may be frightened, in pain, or going through some of their most difficult moments of their lives. Providing safe, compassionate and respectful care is at the heart of everything we do.

"It is deeply distressing that we continue to see increasing levels of violence and aggression directed towards our staff. No one should ever feel afraid while doing their job, especially when that job is to support and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community."

Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine & Cancer Services, Marc Neil added: "The introduction of body worn cameras is a supportive measure designed to help keep our staff safe. These cameras will only be activated if a member of staff feels unsafe or a situation begins to escalate. Our goal is always to de‑escalate and to prevent harm and we hope the presence of these cameras will reassure staff, while also acting as a deterrent to aggressive behaviour.

"We want our Teams to know that their wellbeing matters deeply to us. We are committed to doing everything we can to make their working environment as safe and supportive as possible.

"Staff deserve to feel protected, valued, and cared for, just as they care so tirelessly for others."