CCTV cameras Could Help Prevent Neglect

CCTV cameras could be used in all care homes in an attempt to combat cases of abuse and neglect.

19:48 31 July 2018

MP Dominic Grieve wants to make CCTV cameras compulsory in all care homes to protect vulnerable residents from shocking cases of abuse and neglect. The issue is set to be the first to be debated by MPs when Parliament returns in September.

 

Tory Mr Grieve said: "Seeing potential problems that exist in care environments, the arguments in favour are very strong. I think this is achievable and could become law.

 

"We have large numbers of vulnerable people in care homes and we want to provide them with proper standards of care. Incidents of them being abused are scandalous.

 

"They are also criminal offences, so we have a strong incentive for trying to make sure it doesn't happen."

 

Although the issue is backed by MPs from across the political divide, Mr Grieve admits problems with funding may delay the scheme.

 

He said: "We are not going achieve this overnight, but it is something we should continue pressing for.

 

"There is clearly growing anxiety about the risk of abuse, sometimes from other residents and sometimes staff, so all that seems to me to make it very valuable. It's there to protect carers, it's not just as a spy device."

 

He added: "If a resident suffers an injury and you can show on CCTV how it happened, residents and relatives are going to be reassured."