Chamber and committees

Scottish Government submission of 8 July 2021

PE1877/A - Provide body cameras for all frontline NHS staff

It may be helpful if I explain that staff/patient safety and security arrangements in NHS Scotland settings are the responsibility of individual Health Boards. However, it is Scottish Government’s view that the safety risks of introducing bodycams for all frontline staff and paramedics in Scotland would vary considerably in different NHS settings and for different job roles, such as security staff and ambulance crews. Therefore, we do not believe that bodycams would be necessary or appropriate for all frontline clinical staff. For example, in theatre settings, patients are under the care of a team and would be under anaesthetic.

The Scottish Government is clear that violence or aggression against staff or patients is unacceptable and we have policies and arrangements in place to provide and continuously improve a safe working environment, including de-escalation training. We also expect Health Boards to take appropriate action against anyone who assaults a staff member or patient. The NHS Scotland ‘charter for patient rights and responsibilities’ makes clear to patients that they may face legal action if they are abusive, violent or aggressive towards NHS Staff, or members of the public, when using NHS Services.

NHS England recently announced that it will be providing bodycams to all ambulance trust staff by the end of June 2021. The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has advised Scottish Government that that there has been no appetite from the trade unions to provide bodycams to SAS staff to date. SAS have also confirmed that on the contrary to England, attacks on paramedics in Scotland have decreased over the last few years. SAS are in regular contact with trade unions on this subject. SAS have also confirmed that they intend to discuss this matter at their next digital and ICT meeting on 15 July. The Scottish Government fully support SAS with this approach and will continue to liaise with the service as discussions progress.

We are not aware of calls for other frontline staff to be provided with body cameras and CCTV cameras are already used in hospital wards and main hospital buildings as both a deterrent and to record incidences of violence and aggression. Cases involving claims of negligence are complex and often involve a variety of organisations and specialists. We have insufficient evidence, at this point in time, to suggest that footage from body cameras would be useful in this process.

As you will be aware, from our response to the previous petition on this matter, a feasibility study commissioned by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, found that the price per bodycam and the supporting software would be £6,540 and £1,109 for accessories. This would make the costs of such a proposal prohibitive for Health Boards and would not provide value for money.

I hope this reply is helpful in outlining the Scottish Government’s position on the introduction of bodycams in NHSScotland settings.