Safer Wards, Supported Staff: Body Worn Video in Mental Health Settings
From 2017 to 2022, the NHS faced £83 million in legal costs due to abuse and violence. Whilst a staff survey in 2024 highlighted, more than two-thirds of NHS staff experienced physical violence at work — and less than half of abuse cases were reported. Staff working in psychiatric care are disproportionately affected, facing significantly higher rates of violence compared to other healthcare settings.
Violence in mental health settings is not just a challenge — it’s a crisis we can’t ignore.
Is your team seeking new ways to manage violence and aggression, while balancing patient rights and trust?
Could tools such as body worn cameras help you reduce risk without undermining trust or care?
Let’s start a conversation.
What should you consider before introducing body worn cameras into a healthcare setting?
The decision to use body worn cameras on your ward requires a careful, tailored approach. Each organisation is different, and the impact of cameras can vary based on ward culture and patient needs.
There is no single solution but there are clear steps to consider:
- Why, who, what, where, and when? Have you established clear reasons for using cameras – who will wear them, in which settings, and under what circumstances will they be activated?
- Policy and governance Have you created robust policies around data management, accountability, and privacy? Do these policies reflect your ward’s needs and NHS requirements?
- Practice and training How will you ensure that all staff – including temporary workers – understand when and how to use cameras in line with your policy? What training will you offer, and how often?
- Technical logistics Does your ward have the right infrastructure for storing, maintaining, and charging cameras? Will your resources support day-to-day management?
- Involving staff and patients How will you involve staff and patients in your decision-making process? Have you considered their feedback regarding privacy, trust, and wellbeing?
What are the benefits and risks of body worn cameras?
Body worn cameras have potential benefits:
- Physical violence often decreases on wards where cameras are used
- Video evidence increases staff accountability and transparency
- Protocols are more consistently followed
- De-escalation strategies are prompted by the awareness of being recorded
However, you should also weigh:
- Verbal aggression can sometimes shift rather than decrease
- Patients may feel further ‘criminalised’ or lose trust
- Concerns about privacy, consent, and data management
- Camera use should never replace good care or human-led de-escalation
Is your team ready for body worn cameras?
Have you consulted with your staff and patients to understand their concerns? What steps will you take to ensure clear communication and ongoing feedback? How will you measure the impact of introducing body worn cameras on both safety and patient experience?
Explore further material:
Healthcare worker safety and how body worn cameras can help
How can body-worn cameras support staff training?
Health and safety responsibilities of employers and how body cameras can help
What are the data protection restrictions for body worn cameras in the UK?
Read the RCN Position Statement on Body Worn Cameras in Mental Health Settings (May 2023)
Thinking of piloting body worn video on your ward?
At Radiocoms, we understand that adopting new technology can be a big step. That’s why we offer support to help you every step of the way.
Our service will include:
Policy development & Staff consultation: We work closely with you to develop tailored policies that fit your ward’s needs and ensure your staff are fully supported throughout the process.
Step-by-Step implementation plans: From planning to deployment, we will create a comprehensive implementation roadmap for you to ensure smooth adoption of your body-worn video technology.
Training resources & Technical support: We provide training for your staff, ensuring they’re fully equipped to use the technology effectively, plus ongoing technical support whenever you need it.
Ready to get started?
Contact us today and start the journey towards enhanced safety and efficiency.
E: richard.hattam@radiocoms.co.uk | M: 07708549803
Body worn cameras built for frontline employees.
Protect staff, patients, and peace of mind with smart, discreet, and compliant camera solutions built for frontline care.
V200 body cam
- Livestream video and GoLive audio for real-time awareness
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- Customisable labels to match your company’s branding
VT100 body cam
- 720p HD body-worn camera integrates with CCTV and supports remote alarm activation.
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Calla body cam
- Lightweight build for all-day comfort without compromising performance.
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KS2 body cam
- AI-enabled for smart alerts, facial recognition, and automated insights.
- SOS button instantly signals emergencies to control centers.
- Live stream sends real-time video for rapid situational awareness.
- Two-way audio enables direct communication in the field.
- GPS tracks location for enhanced coordination and safety.
Let’s start a conversation.
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