Ban ‘intrusive’ cameras on mental health wards in England, say bereaved families
Summary
Families of patients who died in mental health wards in England are asking to stop the use of Oxevision, a camera system that watches vulnerable patients. A government inquiry found that this system may have caused harm by replacing needed in-person care and invading patients’ privacy.Key Facts
- Oxevision is a camera system used in about half of England’s mental health wards to monitor patients.
- At least five patients died by suicide or unexpectedly while being watched by Oxevision cameras at one NHS trust in Essex over two years.
- Bereaved families and their lawyers say the system caused harm by replacing in-person care and being misused.
- The inquiry heard that staff sometimes muted alarms or were confused about how to use the system properly.
- Experts found no proof that Oxevision effectively prevents deaths or improves patient care.
- The system can increase paranoia and fear in patients, especially those who are detained or have mental health conditions.
- The inquiry chair, Kate Lampard, may recommend new rules, like stopping Oxevision and requiring life-saving training for staff.
- Families describe being constantly watched by cameras as an invasion of privacy and harmful to patient wellbeing.
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