Patient not happy with CCTV in treatment room because she felt it invaded her privacy

What happened

Ms S had radiotherapy treatment at the Trust during 2013. CCTV was set up in the treatment room and used during her treatment. Ms S was concerned about this, and who could see these images. She felt her privacy and dignity was being compromised. The Trust agreed to turn off the CCTV during the rest of her treatment and used the intercom system instead for contact between Ms S and the radiographer.

Ms S complained to the Trust about the unnecessary use of CCTV and, as a result, the Trust revised its patient information leaflets. Ms S was dissatisfied with the Trust's actions and brought her complaint to us.

What we found

The use of CCTV by the Trust in the radiotherapy treatment areas was justified, and correct measures were in place to make sure the images were secure.

However the Trust had not done enough to make sure patients were given full and clear information about how the monitoring was used, when it was used and who could see the images. Without this information, patients were not able to make informed decisions about this and there was a risk to their privacy and dignity. This affected both Ms S and other patients having treatment in the radiology department.

There was a lack of effective administration by the Trust as it did not have a local policy about the use of CCTV in radiotherapy treatment areas. In the absence of such clear policy or guidelines, the Trust was not able to show how it made sure that staff were aware of the requirements of the Information Commissioner's Office Code of Practice for CCTV, and the Data Protection Act 1998.

It was also unable to show how an appropriate and consistent approach is taken when using CCTV during patients' treatment.   

Putting it right

The Trust apologised to Ms S for the lack of information she received about the use of CCTV at the beginning of her treatment, which meant she was not able to ask informed questions about it.

The Trust agreed to review and revise its patient information leaflets to include clearer information about when CCTV is used and who can see these images. It also agreed to share with Ms S details of its policy on CCTV use in radiotherapy treatment areas.