Ban ‘intrusive’ cameras on mental health wards in England, say bereaved families
Lawyers tell inquiry ‘patients’ lives are at stake’ through improper use of Oxevision system for most vulnerable Families bereaved by the misuse of an “intrusive” camera monitoring system for vulnerable patients used in half of England’s mental health wards, have called for it to be banned to help prevent more avoidable deaths. Lawyers for the families said “patients’ lives are at stake” by the…
The inquiry into mental health deaths in Essex has heard distressing accounts of patients' lives being put at risk through the improper use of an intrusive camera monitoring system called Oxevision. Families of five patients who died while surveilled by Oxevision's infrared cameras at Essex Partnership University NHS foundation trust, including a 16-year-old bereaved Elise Sebastian, have called for the system to be banned nationwide.
The inquiry's chair, Kate Lampard, is considering issuing interim regulations to prevent further deaths. Lawyers representing the bereaved families argue that Oxevision has contributed to harmful outcomes and deaths due to its misapplication. They urge the chair to recommend an immediate halt to the use of Oxevision in mental health wards and patient rooms, citing confusion among staff, patients, and hospital managers over its proper use.
The inquiry's own statisticians found no evidence supporting Oxevision's effectiveness, while expert witnesses testified that the system has led to missed opportunities for therapeutic engagement between staff and patients, potentially increasing paranoia and causing distress. The families urge Lampard to issue interim recommendations for mandatory life-saving training for all mental health staff and the suspension of Oxevision.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
