In today’s healthcare environments, surveillance and monitoring technologies have become integral to daily operations. From closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in hospital corridors to the digital monitoring of staff communications and access to sensitive areas, these tools are deployed to enhance safety, security, and operational efficiency. However, while surveillance can be a powerful ally in protecting patients, staff, and organisational assets, it also introduces complex challenges around privacy, trust, and regulatory compliance. For healthcare leaders, the central question is not whether to use surveillance, but how to do so in a way that upholds both safety and the fundamental rights of individuals.
This five part blog series explores the evolving landscape of surveillance in healthcare from what staff need to know, how organisations can adopt best practice, the emerging challenges posed by facial recognition and patient led recordings, and the practical guidance for healthcare professionals. Together, these five blogs aim to support leaders and practitioners in making informed, responsible decisions in an area where safety, privacy, and accountability must be carefully balanced.
Role of surveillance
Surveillance in healthcare settings serves several purposes. It helps deter and investigate incidents of theft, violence, or misconduct, and supports compliance with regulatory obligations - particularly in areas such as controlled drug storage, emergency departments, and high-risk patient care zones. Monitoring can also play a role in improving service quality, managing performance, and ensuring that critical infrastructure is protected against foreseeable risks. However, overly intrusive or poorly governed surveillance can erode trust, damage organisational culture, and expose healthcare providers to significant legal and reputational risks.
Legal frameworks
The UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 form the backbone of data protection law, requiring that any collection or use of personal data - including images, audio, or behavioural data captured by surveillance systems - must be lawful, fair, and transparent. These laws are complemented by sector-specific regulations, guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office and, in some cases, additional obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. The result is a patchwork of requirements that demand a holistic, risk-based approach to compliance.
Transparency and proportionality
Transparency is critical in the deployment of surveillance technologies. Staff and patients must be informed about what is being monitored, the reasons for monitoring, and how the data will be used. This goes beyond simply putting up generic signage; it requires clear, accessible privacy notices and ongoing communication, especially when new systems or practices are introduced.
A need for proportionality means limiting surveillance to areas of genuine risk and avoiding blanket or excessive monitoring. For example, while CCTV may be justified in a pharmacy or corridor, it would rarely be appropriate in staff rest areas or patient consultation rooms.
Implementing surveillance
To ensure compliance and build trust, healthcare organisations should conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments before implementing new surveillance systems. DPIAs help identify and mitigate risks to individual rights and freedoms, and provide a structured process for considering alternatives and documenting decision-making. Surveillance should be targeted, with clear boundaries on what is monitored and for how long data is retained. Legal support is available, to help determine the best and most appropriate use for surveillance.
Ultimately, the goal for healthcare leaders is to foster a culture where safety and privacy are mutually reinforcing. Surveillance should support, not undermine, patient care and staff wellbeing.
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