THE Wimmera Health Care Group has rolled out the newest measure to keep its staff safe from occupational violence and abuse: Body cameras.
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Security staff at Wimmera Base Hospital now wear body cameras to record incidents, and to encourage people to think twice about how they treat medical workers.
Security manager Matthew Mellington said there had been a disturbing increase in such incidents in 2020.
"We are looking at extra measures to provide safety for our team members and the community so the implementation of body worn cameras will be a great assistance in deterring OVA," Mr Mellington said.
"Studies have shown that situations have deescalated once people realised they were on film."
Mr Mellington said body worn cameras had been used successfully by other Victorian health services including regional services.
"The cameras will help to protect people but they will also be used to provide evidence to the Victorian Police to help charge any offenders who demonstrate violence or aggression," he said.
"There are strict protocols that must be adhered to when recording but the recorded evidence may be used by the police in a court of law."
