Camera in NHS Consulting Room
Discussion
Went to the quacks for a general check over with an ongoing issue. Nothing embarrassing but something odd struck me when I was sitting staring at the wall.
In the corner of the consulting room on the wall was a CCTV camera, it wasn't hidden and was about 20cm long on a wall bracket pointed directly at the GP desk and computer. Now I've no issue but I feel it's something I should question. How many people are going in to that room and discussing personal and intimate problems even getting a prostate exam.
I thought GP consulting rooms were private and it was illegal to have CCTV in such an area whether the camera was on or off working or an old relic.
It definitely wasn't a fire burglar alarm or motion detector. It looked exactly like this
In the corner of the consulting room on the wall was a CCTV camera, it wasn't hidden and was about 20cm long on a wall bracket pointed directly at the GP desk and computer. Now I've no issue but I feel it's something I should question. How many people are going in to that room and discussing personal and intimate problems even getting a prostate exam.
I thought GP consulting rooms were private and it was illegal to have CCTV in such an area whether the camera was on or off working or an old relic.
It definitely wasn't a fire burglar alarm or motion detector. It looked exactly like this
Edited by EarlofDrift on Wednesday 5th June 18:04
perfectly legal if they're open about it and ICO registered, sadly something you'll see more and more of as people like to assault medical staff, claim they've said things they haven't and generally behave inappropriately.
The practice should have a policy you can review, but most places advise that footage is only viewed if an incident is reported and then only by the authorised person.
The practice should have a policy you can review, but most places advise that footage is only viewed if an incident is reported and then only by the authorised person.
Very common in the US apparently. Used to protect against fraudulent litigation.
If you've ever read a GPs notes you can see why. They are often very sparse and are all you have to rely on in court in case of complaint. Can't blame them when only have a couple of minutes per patient for the record keeping bit really.
If you've ever read a GPs notes you can see why. They are often very sparse and are all you have to rely on in court in case of complaint. Can't blame them when only have a couple of minutes per patient for the record keeping bit really.
As part of GP training, the trainees (GP Registrars) occasionally have to conduct videoed consultations to assess consultation style, history taking etc. The patient has to be made aware of this beforehand and a consent form signed allowing the consultation to be recorded.
It might be they have the camera for this purpose but it was actually not on.
I don't know of any practices that have CCTV in their consulting rooms for security purposes, but that's not to say they don't exist.
Worth an email to the Practice Manager to clarify?
It might be they have the camera for this purpose but it was actually not on.
I don't know of any practices that have CCTV in their consulting rooms for security purposes, but that's not to say they don't exist.
Worth an email to the Practice Manager to clarify?
g3org3y said:
As part of GP training, the trainees (GP Registrars) occasionally have to conduct videoed consultations to assess consultation style, history taking etc. The patient has to be made aware of this beforehand and a consent form signed allowing the consultation to be recorded.
It might be they have the camera for this purpose but it was actually not on.
I don't know of any practices that have CCTV in their consulting rooms for security purposes, but that's not to say they don't exist.
Worth an email to the Practice Manager to clarify?
This makes sense.It might be they have the camera for this purpose but it was actually not on.
I don't know of any practices that have CCTV in their consulting rooms for security purposes, but that's not to say they don't exist.
Worth an email to the Practice Manager to clarify?
I work in the NHS. There is NOTHING surer to end a carer than breach of confidentiality.
I have no idea what the camera is for, but rest assured you won't be appearing on YouTube any time soon.
Ask your practice- they will welcome the enquiry because it will make them aware they might be worrying patients.
Fear of complaint/ litigation/ GMC interest is ever present.
I have no idea what the camera is for, but rest assured you won't be appearing on YouTube any time soon.
Ask your practice- they will welcome the enquiry because it will make them aware they might be worrying patients.
Fear of complaint/ litigation/ GMC interest is ever present.
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