ICO investigates camera monitoring in mental health patient bedrooms
8 reported
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into Oxevision, a camera-based patient monitoring system used by 40% of NHS mental health trusts, over data protection concerns. The system, developed by Oxehealth (now rebranded as LIO), remotely watches patients with cameras and infrared sensors. Lawyers for the campaign group Stop Oxevision requested the ICO examine the lawfulness of how the system collects, processes, and retains patient data, including video images. The technology is under scrutiny as part of the Lampard inquiry into the deaths of thousands of mental health patients in Essex. One case involves Sophie Alderman, 27, who killed herself in August 2022 at Rochford hospital in Essex while under Oxevision surveillance. Her mother, Tammy Smith, told the inquiry the system contributed to her daughter’s paranoia and was not fit for purpose. Oxehealth stated the platform has flagged 935 ligature incidents and 436 self-harm events on EPUT wards, saying it helps preserve life.
What’s reported
The ICO has launched an investigation into Oxevision, used by 40% of NHS mental health trusts.
Oxevision is a camera and infrared sensor system that remotely watches patients in their bedrooms.
Stop Oxevision’s lawyers asked the ICO to examine the lawfulness of data collection, processing, and retention.
The technology is part of the Lampard inquiry into deaths of thousands of mental health patients in Essex.
Sophie Alderman, 27, died by suicide in August 2022 at Rochford hospital while under Oxevision surveillance.
Her mother, Tammy Smith, said the system increased her daughter’s paranoia and was not fit for purpose.
Oxehealth (now LIO) said the platform flagged 935 ligature incidents and 436 self-harm events on EPUT wards.
Laura Cozens, LIO head of patient safety, told the inquiry filming patients 24 hours a day is a significant invasion of privacy.
Key figures
Rachel Harger, partner at Bindmans (law firm for Stop Oxevision)
Sophie Alderman, 27, patient who died by suicide
Tammy Smith, mother of Sophie Alderman
Laura Cozens, head of patient safety at LIO
Selen Cavcav, caseworker from charity Inquest
Nina Ali, solicitor at Hodge Jones & Allen (represents families at Lampard inquiry)
Oxehealth spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
