Body-worn cameras being trialled at two hospitals

Evidence has shown cameras can protect staff, said the NHS trust

Body-worn cameras are being trialled at two hospitals following an increase in "challenging behaviours" towards staff, it has been announced.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said some staff at the emergency departments of Conquest Hospital, in Hastings, and at Eastbourne District General Hospital, would wear the devices for 12 weeks.

It said staff would only activate them when they experience abuse or feel threatened, and that individuals would be notified they were going to be recorded.

Evidence has shown cameras can reduce violence and aggression, prevent situations from escalating and make staff feel safer at work, according to the trust.

'Violence is never ok'

A spokesperson for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said the trial was a response to rising violence and aggression against staff.

It said the impact of "challenging behaviours" on A&E staff could not be "underestimated, whether a one-off incident or repeated experience".

"While we appreciate that an emergency department can be a stressful environment, our staff are here to help people, not be hurt," said the spokesperson.

"Violence against them is never ok."

However, the trust said an "overwhelming majority" of interactions with patients were still positive.

The trust said it hoped the body-worn cameras would deter behaviour that could harm the "safety and wellbeing" of colleagues, patients and visitors. Footage could also be used as police evidence, it added.

A review will take place at the end of the trial to evaluate its success and determine next steps.

The announcement comes after a similar trial began at hospitals in Kent.

A previous BBC investigation discovered more than 1,700 physical assaults were recorded on NHS hospital staff in the South East between 2018 and 2022.