The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has approved the permanent use of body‑worn cameras for staff in Antrim Area Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) and will extend the scheme to Causeway Hospital's ED, following a 12‑week pilot completed last year.

At a Board meeting, members were told the evaluation concluded the devices had a "meaningful and constructive role in enhancing safety and supporting staff in managing challenging and potentially volatile situations", despite no serious incidents being reported during the trial. The review also judged the cameras to be helpful in "supporting and influencing safer staff/patient interactions".

The Trust's Executive Director of Nursing, Gill Murphy, said staff taking part observed "notable positive behaviour change" in some patients when a camera was present.

She added: "Wearing a camera also appeared to have a positive impact on staff confidence. Staff reported that the presence of the camera and having the ability to activate it, positively influenced de-escalation of any potential aggression or violence in certain situations.

"Importantly, we are assured that there has been no impact on patient care, and the privacy and dignity of patients has been maintained throughout the trial period." Body‑worn cameras capture audio and video in real time, with activation and data strictly monitored and audited. Staff must tell patients or service users before switching the device on and again when recording stops. The Trust said equality, human rights, data protection, privacy and dignity considerations had been assessed for use in an acute healthcare setting.

Chair of the Trust Board, Anne O'Reilly, said the expansion underlined how seriously the organisation takes safety and staff wellbeing. "We know that the vast majority of people who attend our Emergency Departments are respectful of our staff and only a very small number engage in unacceptable behaviour – but even one is one too many.

"Sadly, we know that violence and aggression towards staff is a reality and something that we have seen increasing over the last number of years. It’s not part of the job and our staff deserve better.

"We have seen how much public support there is for our staff since the introduction of the pilot last September. By extending the scheme it is our hope, as a Board, that this will reassure staff that they are valued and boost their confidence and overall sense of wellbeing."

The Board confirmed immediate continued use of body‑worn cameras in Antrim Area Hospital’s ED. It also approved the purchase of 12 additional devices for Causeway Hospital’s ED, with a start date to be announced.

Wearing a camera will be encouraged but not mandatory. The devices will not record continuously; they will be activated only if a situation escalates, and staff are obliged to inform patients when recording is taking place. Signage will be displayed in both Emergency Departments to advise patients and visitors that some staff may be using body‑worn cameras.