Home / Health / Inquiry Eyes Ban on 'Intrusive' Mental Health Tech
Inquiry Eyes Ban on 'Intrusive' Mental Health Tech
5 Oct
Summary
- Investigation probes fatalities linked to patient monitoring cameras.
- Campaign groups cite safety risks and reduced human oversight.
- Families report ignored alerts and deaths, demanding better care.
The Lampard Inquiry, investigating thousands of fatalities among individuals receiving mental health care in Essex, is considering an end to the contentious Oxevision patient-monitoring camera technology. Concerns have been raised by campaign groups that the system, adopted by 50% of mental health trusts in England, leads to staff relying on digital monitoring instead of direct human observation, with fatal consequences.
Legal representatives and affected families have urged the Information Commissioner's Office to investigate the platform's compliance with data protection laws. They highlight cases where alerts were ignored or muted, contributing to patient deaths, such as that of Elise Sebastian. The technology's intrusive nature and clinical ineffectiveness are questioned, with a call for it to be replaced by quality human care.
Families also advocate for mandatory, independent CPR training for all staff caring for vulnerable patients, with removal from duty for those failing to meet standards. The mother of Sophie Alderman, who died by suicide in August 2022 while monitored by Oxevision, stated the technology worsened her daughter's paranoia and failed to protect her. Lio, the company behind Oxevision, acknowledges the platform may not be suitable for everyone, though they maintain it aids in preventing serious incidents and frees up staff time.
