Frequently asked questions
Use of Body Worn Camera devices – Antrim Emergency Department
What is a Body Worn Camera (BWC)?
A BWC is a small camera secured on the uniform of a select number of staff which objectively records video and audio of interactions between staff and patients and/or third parties, but only when the device is activated.
Why is this pilot being proposed?
The Trust are committed to providing a safe environment for staff, patients and third par-ties who visit Trust premises and for care to be delivered in a fair, transparent and respectful manner. While unfortunate, incidences of acute behavioural disturbance and the propensity for aggression towards staff and/or others are becoming increasingly more common. The Trust recognise that such incidents can have a negative and detrimental impact and should not be tolerated.
Where will the pilot take place?
The pilot will happen in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Antrim Area Hospital (AAH) site. BWC devices will not be utilised outside of this setting during the pilot period. There will be signage in proximity to entrance/exits of the ED and posters on display within the ED areas.
When will the pilot happen and over what period?
The pilot is expected to commence in May 2025 and last for 3-6 months. There will be a formal and full evaluation at the end of the pilot period and review throughout the pilot trial period.
Who will be involved in the pilot?
x12 BWC devices will be utilised by uniformed nursing staff only in 4 areas within the ED, notably the Ambulance Triage, Observation Unit (Obs), Ambulatory Emergency Care (AEC) and Majors. However, depending on the success of the pilot, consideration may be given to expanding use of devices in other locations and sites. Staff wearing the devices will be of a level of seniority, will be trained in advance of using the devices and will operate the devices in accordance with Trust protocol. A project group has been established to coordinate and oversee the pilot and its evaluation.
Who has and who will be consulted as part of the Consultation?
The project group coordinating this pilot conducted a stakeholder analysis and have included a wide range of internal and external stakeholders as part of their initial engagement and in the wider Public Consultation. Further detail on consultation is included in the DPIA document available on the Trust website.
What BWC device and system are the NHSCT using?
The NHSCT are piloting the use of the Calla BWC model/device which is sold by Reveal Media Ltd and has been designed with healthcare settings in mind. This is a small device is in size (is 57mm in height, 43mm in width, has a depth of 17mm) and is light (weighs 90g). Devices can be mounted via magnet mounts, crocodile clips, lanyards and klick fast stud options. See: https://www.revealmedia.co.uk/products/calla
How will patients/service-users/visitors know when BWC recording is taking place?
BWC devices will be clearly visible on nursing staff uniforms and have a front-facing screen. By default, BWC devices will not be set to record. BWC devices will be activated for recording within the parameters of set Trust protocol and as part of this, when BWC devices are being activated for recording, the nurse wearing the BWC will give a verbal announcement that they are activating their device and will briefly reference in said announcement their reasoning for activating the device. A further verbal announcement will be given when the nurse decides to stop recording, typically at a point when the nurse perceives the situation to have calmed/deescalated.
Will consent be sought before BWC devices are activated?
Consent is only one lawful basis for processing data. Given the setting, practicalities and purpose, BWC devices will not be operated on the basis of consent as in most situations where devices have been activated it would be difficult to obtain valid, informed and freely given consent of all affected individuals. The lawful basis adopted by the Trust for use of the BWC devices will be legitimate interests, in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation Article 6(1)(f). A Legitimate Interests Assessment has been completed as part of the Trust’s preparations for the BWC pilot, which is available on the Trust website — this includes for the protection and enhanced experience of our patients, staff and others who access the ED, helping to provide a safer and calmer environment; to enhance the security and the protection of Trust property/assets; to influence behaviour by acting as a deterrent to acts of violence and aggression and aid to de-escalate situations should they arise; to enhance staff education and learning on Management and Prevention of Aggression; to record an independent account of what happened should adverse events arise and have footage captured with evidential value to any review or investigative process; And to support relevant authorities in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders by enhancing the type and quality of discoverable evidence should criminal or civil action be brought.
What happens if the camera is turned on accidentally?
Data captured by the BWC due to accidental activation and/or training will be marked for immediate deletion.
Can anyone edit the captured footage?
The original version of the video cannot be edited by anyone, including system administrators. Redacted copies of the video to blur out people/objects, remove audio and/or narrow the video to relevant sections/length can be created by only authorised users, who will be selected senior managers with training. The original version of the video will remain unchanged.
Where can I access the Trust Privacy Notice for BWCs?
A specific privacy notice has been created for the BWC pilot. Digital copies of the privacy notice can be accessed either via the Trust website or by scanning a QR code on first page of this document and/or on posters advertising the pilot, which are displayed within the ED. A hard copy version of the privacy notice will be held for viewing at the ED reception.
Will data be held securely and for how long?
The Trust take privacy seriously and have a legal duty to keep information safe and confidential, as does anyone who receives information about you from the Trust. In line with legislation, the Trust has a range of measures and strict standards to protect data held. Once the camera has finished recording it will be docked. The footage will go onto a secure system, which can only be accessed by designated senior staff. The footage cannot be viewed or deleted from the camera itself. Access to data and functionality is controlled via software User Authentication and Permissions. The system retains a complete audit log of system activity. Data obtained with the activation of BWC devices will be processed on secure cloud-based servers via third party licenced software (DEMS -360), which is a system built within the scope of ISO27001, with PEN testing to ensure data security. Data will not be kept for longer than it is needed and this is set out within the privacy notice. This will be in accordance with the Department of Health (DoH) Good Management, Good Records Disposal Schedule 2017 (last updated 18 May 2022), which Trusts in the regional follow and is a document that is accessible via the DoH website:https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/gmgr-disposal-schedule.pdf
How can I access data if I am recorded?
Under the UK-GDPR you can request access to your personal data. If you want to see the information we hold about you or ask about how we use it, you can speak to the staff or you can request a copy of your information from the Trust Data Controller or Data Protection Officer as identified within the privacy notice. Each request for the release of footage will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Have more questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact our Equality Unit:
Equality Unit
Route Complex
8e Coleraine Road
Ballymoney
Co Antrim
BT53 6BP
Tel: 028 2766 1377
E-mail: equality.unit@northerntrust.hscni.net
