CCTV Monitoring

Policy

We use a camera surveillance system (CCTV) to monitor staff and patient safety and ensure the reception area is monitored if staff must leave it unattended for short periods.

We comply with the Privacy Act in using and managing the system, and every effort is made to prevent it impacting on patients' privacy. The CCTV cameras allow a live stream, and no data is recorded or stored.

Patients are informed that CCTV is operating within the practice facility by signage located beneath each camera.

For more information, refer to the Privacy Commissioner: Privacy and CCTV.

Value

The use of CCTV improves the practice environment and adds value to the service we provide by allowing us to:

• provide quicker assistance to waiting patients if they faint or collapse, or require other immediate medical attention
• better control patient behaviour
• support reception staff
• ensure clinical staff are safe while in their rooms, and unauthorised individuals aren't in areas of the practice where they shouldn't be.

Guidelines

• The practice’s privacy officer is responsible for overseeing the CCTV system.
• Access is limited to the privacy officer and appointed system managers.
• Staff are advised that while they go about their normal business at the practice, CCTV cameras are used in sign-posted areas.
• Any misuse is reported to the practice manager.
• Cameras are not installed in sensitive places such as bathrooms or treatment areas.
• The system, its operation, and related policies and procedures are audited and evaluated regularly.

Resources

• Privacy Commissioner – Privacy and CCTV: A guide to the Privacy Act for businesses, agencies and organisations