Ten mental health trusts have been reported to the health regulator after reviews found that patient consent mechanisms for camera monitoring were not operating in line with digital principles.
Ten Trusts Referred to Cqc Over Monitoring Consent
The issue emerged during the latest hearings of the Lampard Inquiry. This standalone investigation is looking into the fatalities of over 2,000 individuals who stayed within mental health facilities located in Essex from the year 2000 up through the conclusion of 2023. NHS England told the inquiry it passed information to the health regulator after reviewing the use of digital monitoring systems, including Oxevision.
The infrared technology is installed in patient bedrooms. It tracks breathing and pulse rates without requiring staff to physically enter the room. Gareth Harry, NHS England’s National Delivery Director for Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism, told the inquiry that oversight was not ineffective. However, an internal 2022 NHS England email showed staff were already aware of trusts where patients were not given the choice to refuse being filmed.
Timeline of Concerns and Regulatory Action
NHS England first became aware of safety concerns linked to Oxevision in 2021. The reports involved consent, patient observations, and human rights. By 2023, NHS England wrote to mental health trusts stating that monitoring technology should not be introduced as a blanket approach. Guidance dictated that decisions must be made for each patient individually, with patient involvement wherever possible.
Following concerns raised by the campaign group Stop Oxevision, NHS England reviewed practice across the sector. That review identified 10 mental health trusts that failed to operate consent mechanisms properly. Gareth Harry stated that NHS England wrote to the CQC on 2 October to share those findings with inspection teams. The 10 trusts referred to the regulator have not been named publicly.
Inquiry Scrutiny and Responses from Officials
Lawyers representing bereaved families questioned why it took several years for NHS England to act after initial warnings. Gareth Harry maintained that day-to-day responsibility for following guidance sat with individual trusts rather than NHS England. Counsel to the inquiry Teniola Onabanjo asked if NHS England recognized that enthusiasm for innovation might outpace scrutiny of consent and ethics. Harry responded that every mental health service provider should have values driven by a human rights approach.
A CQC spokesperson told the BBC that providers carry the responsibility to offer safe, high-quality care in line with relevant guidelines. The regulator considers all information of concern and takes action when providers fall short. The CQC is scheduled to give evidence to the Lampard Inquiry on 7 October. Giving evidence in July, Laura Cozens from LIO Health—the company behind Oxevision—said proper explanation of the technology to patients is vital and noted it helped prevent serious incidents such as falls on dementia wards.
Baroness Lampard schedules further inquiry hearings until October
Current hearings are scheduled to continue until 15 October. A further dedicated hearing for families is set for 20 October. Baroness Lampard stated she could issue interim recommendations if urgent patient safety concerns are identified before the inquiry publishes its final report in 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lampard Inquiry and Camera Monitoring
What time period does the Lampard Inquiry cover?
Proceedings led by Baroness Lampard are currently reviewing the passing of upwards of 2,000 people who received care in Essex mental health services starting in 2000 through the close of 2023.
When is the final report for the Lampard Inquiry expected?
Baroness Lampard’s final report for the inquiry is due to be published in 2028, though interim recommendations may be issued earlier if urgent safety concerns arise.
Which campaign group raised concerns about the monitoring technology?
The campaign group Stop Oxevision raised concerns that prompted NHS England to review consent practices across mental health trusts.
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