First body worn camera trial commences at Western Trust

THE Western Trust has introduced a three month body worn cameras trial at the Emergency Department IN Altnagelvin Hospital and Grangewood Mental Health Unit, in an effort to increase security and safety for patients, staff and the public.

The trial commenced at the start of November in response to increasing incidents of abuse and aggression within Western Trust hospitals and across the facilities more widely.

The Western Trust recorded 4,627 instances of physical and verbal abuse towards staff between September 2024 and September 2025.

This represents an increase of 16 per cent from the previous year (2023 to 2024) and 27 per cent increase from two years ago.

Speaking about the pilot project, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals and Chair of the Trust’s Management of Violence and Aggression (MOVA) Group, Donna Keenan, said: “The introduction for body worn cameras highlights our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of our employees, patients and visitors, which the Trust takes very seriously.

“We are taking this step to give a strong message that violence and abuse of our staff will not be tolerated.

“Evidence suggests that body worn cameras support the de-escalation of incidents and support action that is taken following incidents, in terms of identifying and prosecuting any offenders.”

The cameras will be worn by nursing, clerical, medical and AHP staff at the two sites.

The camera is only activated during an incident of abuse, violence, aggression or security risk.

Individuals who are being aggressive or violent will be informed that the camera is recording.

The body cameras will not be switched on during normal clinical activities.

Donna added: “There are stringent controls in place for the trial in regards to staff training and methods of retrieving the footage from the cameras.

“All aspects of the trial will be compliant with confidentiality arrangements and Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) requirements.

“Notices will be displayed to confirm body worn cameras are present and may be in use during an adverse event.

"An evaluation will take place at the end of the trial.

“If deemed effective, there is the potential for it the utilised in other hospital and community facilities.”