ICO watchdog opens inquiry into cameras in mental health patients’ bedrooms

Sophie Alderman, who had a history of serious mental and self-harm, killed herself in August 2022 in Rochford hospital, Essex while under surveillance by Oxevision’s system. View image in fullscreen Sophie Alderman, who had a history of serious mental and self-harm, killed herself in August 2022 in Rochford hospital, Essex while under surveillance by Oxevision’s system. ICO watchdog opens inquiry into cameras in mental health patients’ bedrooms Exclusive: Oxevision system used by 40% of NHS mental health trusts being scrutinised by information commissioner over privacy concerns The information commissioner has launched an investigation into a controversial camera-based system for monitoring patients in their bedrooms, used by 40% of NHS mental health trusts, over data protection concerns. Oxevision is described by patients as “creepy” and a form of “spying” , and has been blamed by a bereaved mother for contributing to her daughter’s sense of paranoia before she took her own life. Oxehealth, the company behind Oxevision, which remotely watches patients with cameras and infrared sensors, said it increases patients’ safety and frees up NHS staff time. Lawyers for the campaign group Stop Oxevision asked the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to investigate the lawfulness of the way the system collects, processes and retains patient’s data, including video images of them. Rachel Harger, a partner at Bindmans, who made the request said: “A patient’s bedroom in hospital should, as far as possible, remain a sanctuary for care and treatment, where privacy is respected. “Organisations must be able to point to a clear lawful basis for this collection and processing of patient-derived data. Where they rely on consent, it must be properly obtained, freely given, and capable of being withdrawn.” The ICO confirmed to the Guardian that it had launched an investigation into Oxehealth, which has rebranded as LIO but said it could not comment further. The technology is under scrutiny as part of the Lampard inquiry into the deaths of thousands of mental health patients in Essex . They include Sophie Alderman, 27, who had a history of serious mental ill health and self-harm and who killed herself in August 2022 in Rochford hospital, Essex while under surveillance by Oxevision. Her mother, Tammy Smith, said the system was intrusive, unsafe and contributed to her daughter’s paranoia. Speaking to the inquiry in October, Smith said: “I think her paranoia would have been increased 100%. She’s always been uncomfortable with cameras. She always felt under a microscope … it was obvious that Sophie was distressed by the presence of the camera in her room but, worst of all, the system did not even keep her safe.” Smith added: “You cannot replace staff in that situation with technology. It’s not fit for purpose.” Laura Cozens, head of patient safety at LIO, told the inquiry “the technology may not be suitable for everyone”. She accepted that filming a patient 24 hours a d