The NSW Government is expanding its efforts to improve safety in public hospitals through the continued rollout of a 12-month trial of body-worn cameras. The latest hospitals to join the initiative are Liverpool and Bankstown-Lidcombe, two of the busiest facilities in south-western Sydney.
Dylan Anderson
These hospitals join Royal North Shore, and others in northern Sydney and the Illawarra, bringing the total number of participating sites to five.
Enhancing Safety in Healthcare Settings
The aim of the trial is to assess how effective body-worn cameras are at deterring and de-escalating violent and aggressive incidents in healthcare environments. Security personnel at participating hospitals are now equipped with these cameras and can activate them in situations where there is a risk of harm to staff, patients, or visitors.
An independent evaluation will be conducted once the trial concludes to determine its overall impact and whether body-worn cameras should be implemented more broadly across the state.
This initiative is just one component of a broader safety strategy in NSW public hospitals. Existing measures include:
- Ongoing risk assessments for emerging threats
- Staff safety huddles and patient management plans
- Duress alarms and secure hospital layouts
- Multi-disciplinary Code Black response teams
- CCTV, lighting, and secure car park protocols
Responding to Recommendations
The trial is part of the NSW Government’s continued implementation of the Anderson Review of Hospital Security. Other measures already adopted include:
- Establishment of the Safety and Security Improvement Unit
- Standardisation of Code Black procedures
- Enhanced support for patient experience officers
Dylan Anderson
Leaders Speak on the Trial
Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“The safety of our staff and patients is my top priority as the Minister for Health.”
“Any instances of aggression towards staff will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will always be taken against individuals who behave in such a manner.”
“I look forward to the results of this trial which will provide insight into how we can reduce instances of violence and aggression in our public hospitals.”
Charishma Kaliyanda, Member for Liverpool:
“Liverpool is one of the largest hospitals in our state. I am very pleased that it is one of the first to implement this key safety measure.”
“Aggression toward healthcare staff cannot be tolerated.”
Kylie Wilkinson, Member for East Hills:
“We are committed to protecting our nurses, doctors, healthcare workers and patients, and this technology offers a vital layer of security.”
Lynda Voltz, Member for Auburn:
“This initiative will help create a safer environment as well as support the hard-working staff who are committed to providing care in challenging circumstances.”
This innovative trial reaffirms NSW Health’s commitment to making hospital environments safer, more secure, and more supportive for everyone who walks through their doors.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
