Blackpool hospital staff given body cameras

Hospital staff at Blackpool Victoria are now wearing special video cameras to deter aggressive behaviour from patients and visitors.

Security officers at the hospital are wearing the equipment on their body armour, which works in the same way as the traditional CCTV systems.

The new miniature cameras also record sound, collecting more evidence if needed for a prosecution.

Sister Sharon Ellis said it was a good idea if it stopped abuse of staff.

'Defuse situation'

Councillor Tony Williams, chairman of multi-agency group BSafe Blackpool, added: "We received very positive feedback from police when we provided them with the body cameras.

"The staff at the hospital should not be disrupted from their work by anti social behaviour and as one of our partners we were more than happy to help them combat the issue."

Karen Sanderson, the hospital trust's security management specialist, added: "We are always looking at various ways to help in providing a safe environment and believe that the use of body camera technology will help act as a deterrent which in turn will help to reduce incidents of violence, aggression and acts of anti-social behaviour.

"When officers respond to situations wearing the new body cameras, it is hoped the idea of having actions captured both visually and by sound will defuse a situation without any further escalation."