Ten NHS trusts referred over monitoring consent
Infrared technology is used in patients' bedrooms and can monitor their breathing and pulse.
Ten NHS trusts have been referred to the health regulator following issues with patient consent procedures when using camera technology to monitor mental health patients. This matter came to light during the ongoing Lampard Inquiry, which is investigating the deaths of over 2,000 individuals who were in Essex mental health units between 2000 and 2023.
The infrared technology, known as Oxevision, can monitor breathing and pulse without staff entering patients' rooms. NHS England informed the inquiry they had reported the issue to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after reviewing the use of digital monitoring systems. Baroness Lampard has stated she would implement interim recommendations on technology introduction if she believed there was a risk to patient safety.
NHS England first became aware of safety concerns related to Oxevision in 2021, and in 2023, they advised mental health trusts to not implement monitoring technology universally, but to assess each patient individually. The inquiry heard that 10 mental health trusts were not following consent protocols as per digital principles.
The trusts involved have not been disclosed. NHS England shared their findings with the CQC on October 2nd. The inquiry, which is expected to continue until October 15th, may lead to interim recommendations from Baroness Lampard if urgent patient safety concerns are identified.
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