Body-worn cameras trialled at isles hospital after 'rise in violence'

Emergency staff at the largest hospital in the Hebrides have been issued with body-worn cameras after a "significant rise" in violence and aggression towards employees and visitors.

NHS Western Isles said it was trialling the equipment at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway on Lewis after dozens of incidents, including staff being kicked, punched and head-butted.

The health board said electronic locks had also installed on doors in all ward areas.

Chief executive Gordon Jamieson said: "Whilst we continue to live in a relatively safe environment, it is fair to say that we are seeing an increase in security-related incidents, and violence and aggression towards our staff."

The Scottish government said security arrangements in hospitals were the responsibility of individual health boards.

The equipment is used in some hospitals in England, and has been trialled at sites in Northern Ireland.

Over the last two years, NHS Western isles staff had reported between 60 to 80 incidents each year of violence and aggression.

The highest number of reports involved threats or intimidation and violent outbursts.

Other reported incidents included serious assaults, racial abuse, spitting and damage to board property.

It said there had been instances where a serious physical assault had resulted in staff requiring hospital treatment.

Body-worn cameras are small devices that are usually worn on the outside of clothing.

NHS Western Isles said visitors might see some of its staff wearing the equipment.

It said the devices did not automatically record audio and video and recording would only begin when switched on manually "if a situation escalates".

Signs alerting visitors to use of the camera have been put up around the hospital.

The electronic door locks were fitted "in response to increasing episodes of violence and aggression".

The health board said in the event of a fire the locks would release automatically.

It said it had also issued 120 personal emergency alarms to some staff, many of whom work alone.

The alarms provide a location for the employee if they get into difficulty, such as in an accident.

The safety measures are being supported by Police Scotland.

Insp Euan Cowan said: "No one expects to go to their work and be assaulted or verbally abused.

"We continue to maintain a zero-tolerance approach to crimes perpetrated against emergency workers."

Health service union Unison said no-one should face any threats or assaults while doing their job, and welcomed the introduction of protective measures.

Regional organiser Karen Donaldson said: "It's deeply concerning that threats against hospital staff are on the rise.

"Staff are bearing the brunt of frustration from the public, who experience long waits due to chronic NHS under-staffing. It's not an excuse and it's a sad fact that it happens at all."

She said that last year there were more than 18,000 violent incidents in the NHS nationally.