Health Trust security officers to wear CCTV cameras

Security officers at some of the hospitals ran by the Pennine Acute Hospital Trust are to be fitted with CCTV cameras as part as a bid to address incidents of violent behaviour in the hospitals.

Security staff at the Royal Oldham Hospital and the North Manchester General Hospital will wear the cameras on their stab proof vests.

The move comes just weeks after staff were filmed by uncover reporters for a Dispatches documentary.

The Trust also runs the Rochdale Infirmary and the Fairfield Hospital in Bury.

A spokesman for the Trust, said: “The Trust takes the safety and security of its staff, patients and visitors very seriously.

“Close working with the Police at our hospitals is helping address incidents of violent and aggressive behaviour.

“Any member of the public who wilfully attack or abuse and display acts of violence and aggression towards any NHS staff will not be tolerated.”

He added: “As part of a three month trial commencing some of the Trust’s Security Officers at North Manchester General Hospital and The Royal Oldham Hospital will be wearing CCTV cameras attached to their stab-proof vests.

“The cameras will not be switched on all of the time, but only when necessary and people in view of the camera when it is recording will be told.

“These cameras will not only act as a deterrent to those members of the public who are violent, aggressive and abusive to our staff, but may also be used as evidence in court.”