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A veteran nurse at Antrim Area Hospital, Emeria Doherty, has expressed her relief at wearing a body camera while on duty. With over 25 years of experience, Doherty highlighted the alarming increase in violence and aggression towards healthcare workers, making her feel safer with the added security of the body camera. She emphasized the severity of the situation, mentioning incidents where patients resorted to throwing objects, some equipped with knives.
The prevalence of physical abuse towards healthcare staff in Northern Ireland is evident through the staggering figures. Over a four-year period from 2019/20 to 2023/24, nearly 56,000 recorded instances of physical abuse were reported across the six trusts in the region. This concerning trend has forced many nurses to take extended sick leave due to the trauma caused by violent encounters with patients.
The body camera pilot scheme at Antrim Area Hospital, in operation since September 1st, aims to address the escalating issue of violence in healthcare settings. These cameras are not operational continuously but are activated when a threatening incident occurs, with prior warning given to patients. Doherty stressed the importance of de-escalation tactics and the implementation of such technology to protect both staff and patients.
The Executive Director of Nursing, Suzanne Pullins, acknowledged the emotional toll of these attacks on healthcare staff, emphasizing the significance of ensuring a safe environment for vulnerable patients seeking medical assistance. While the Northern Trust leads the way in the adoption of body-worn cameras for healthcare workers, other trusts in the region are contemplating similar measures to safeguard their staff and patients. It is a necessary step towards mitigating violence and maintaining a secure healthcare environment for all involved
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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