The South Eastern Trust is introducing body worn cameras for staff working in the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital, during the week beginning 23rd March 2026.
The Trust does not tolerate any form of abuse, aggression or violence towards our staff, who are working hard to care for people when they are at their most vulnerable.
There were 1911 incidents of violence and aggression towards our staff, between April to December last year, which is completely unacceptable.
It is hoped the introduction of the cameras will help improve staff safety.
Staff who choose to wear the devices will attach them to their uniforms and can activate the cameras if they feel unsafe or if a situation begins to escalate.
Once activated, the cameras will record both video and audio.
Staff who are wearing the cameras will announce when the device is being activated and when recording has stopped.
Welcoming the introduction of the body worn cameras, the Clinical Manager for Emergency Medicine, Maggie Magowan said ““Every day, our staff come to work with one purpose, to care for people who may be frightened, in pain, or going through some of their most difficult moments of their lives. Providing safe, compassionate and respectful care is at the heart of everything we do.
“It is deeply distressing that we continue to see increasing levels of violence and aggression directed towards our staff. No one should ever feel afraid while doing their job, especially when that job is to support and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine & Cancer Services, Marc Neil added, “The introduction of body worn cameras is a supportive measure designed to help keep our staff safe. These cameras will only be activated if a member of staff feels unsafe or a situation begins to escalate. Our goal is always to de‑escalate and to prevent harm and we hope the presence of these cameras will reassure staff, while also acting as a deterrent to aggressive behaviour.
“We want our Teams to know that their wellbeing matters deeply to us. We are committed to doing everything we can to make their working environment as safe and supportive as possible.
“Staff deserve to feel protected, valued, and cared for, just as they care so tirelessly for others.”