The Minister for Health has announced a trial of body cameras to be worn by security staff. This comes after a number of aggressive assaults on public hospital staff.  

Up to 300 body worn cameras will be in operation across NSW hospitals. The trial aims to test whether they are an effective tool for security staff, as well as potentially collect vision that could be used as evidence in prosecutions.  

The trial will commence in a couple of months once the body cameras have been procured. 

HSU members will be meeting with the Ministry of Health and the Government to ensure there are strict guidelines in place regarding the use of body cameras.

Privacy and security processes must be in place to prior to the commencement of the trial in public hospitals. Cameras must not be used for staff surveillance or disciplinary purposes and must be self-activated.  

Clear parameters will need to be established to measure the effectiveness or otherwise of the use of body cameras. 

The HSU will meet with the Health Minister to ensure that legislation regarding the powers of security staff, and the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment, is addressed as a matter of priority.  

The following sites will participate in the trial:  

• Wyong Hospital (Central Coast Local Health District) 
• Westmead Hospital (Western Sydney Local Health District) 
• Royal North Shore Hospital (Northern Sydney Local Health District
• Nepean Hospital (Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
• Liverpool Hospital (South West Sydney Local Health District
• Wollongong Hospital (Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
• Shoalhaven Hospital (Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
• John Hunter Hospital (Hunter New England Local Health District
• Tamworth Hospital (Hunter New England Local Health District) 

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