Body-worn cameras are being trialled at two Londonderry hospitals following an increase in assaults on staff.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust said the three-month trial at Altnagelvin Hospital’s emergency department and Grangewood’s mental health unit would increase staff, patient and public safety.
The cameras, which nursing, medical and clerical staff began wearing at the start of November, are only activated during incidents of abuse, violence, aggression or when there is a security risk, the trust said.
Incidents of staff being physically or verbally abused, the trust added, has increased by 27% over the last two years.