Body camera trial for hospital security as attacks soar

Security staff at nine hospitals will trial body-worn cameras to see if they can play a role in reducing aggression at health facilities.

The year-long trial is still being planned and no start date has been set, while security and privacy policies will need to be established before it can proceed.

An evaluation will follow to test whether the cameras are an effective tool for security staff.

Footage will only be recorded if security officers believe there is a risk of harm, but the material could be used in prosecutions.

Up to 300 cameras will be rolled out during the trial, the NSW government said on Tuesday.

It will test whether body-worn cameras can complement other security arrangements including ongoing risk assessments, patient management plans, duress teams, alarms and lockdown protocols.

Staff and patient safety was a priority in NSW, Health Minister Ryan Park said.

"The trend in assaults in our hospitals is unacceptable and we are taking action," he said.

Hospitals recorded 972 assaults on their premises in the year to March 2024 at a rate of more than 18 incidents a week, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

The figure represents a jump of more than 25 per cent on the number of assaults recorded during the previous equivalent period.

NSW has implemented 97 per cent of the recommendations from a 2020 review into hospital security, Mr Park said. The review implementation began under the state's previous coalition government.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said paramedics, nurses and hospital staff needed to be kept safe.

"Violence in hospitals has been an issue ... when we were in government we introduced new offences for assaulting emergency services workers," he said.

"They are there on the front line doing important jobs and they are entitled to feel secure and safe in their workplace, as are the patients."

NINE HOSPITALS SLATED FOR BODY-WORN CAMERA TRIAL

* Wyong Hospital, Central Coast

* Westmead Hospital, western Sydney

* Royal North Shore Hospital, northern Sydney

* Nepean Hospital, western Sydney

* Liverpool Hospital, southwestern Sydney

* Wollongong Hospital, Illawarra region

* Shoalhaven Hospital, Illawarra region

* John Hunter Hospital, Hunter-New England region

* Tamworth Hospital, Hunter-New England region