Oxevision FAQs

Patients are on constant eyesight observations from at least one member of staff at all times during their stay.

The system is designed as a supportive tool for staff - it is not a replacement for staff or the care they provide.

The system supports clinical teams to take accurate vital signs measurements using a medical device.

It also allows for earlier alerts to potential risks, based on detecting no activity in the occupied room.

While it does not replace 1:1 observation and contact, the software means staff don’t have to disturb the patient unnecessarily to carry out physical health checks (particularly at night) – which intrudes on their privacy and has safety risks for both staff and patients (including infection control).

As part of the roll out of this technology, we considered the privacy and rights of our patients, staff and visitors. We undertook an 18 month piece of work with multiple stakeholders including our patient group who told us they wanted to receive ‘safe care’ and ‘feel safe’ when receiving care from us. Patient representative has been involved throughout the installation, they informed and shaped the patient leaflets and clinical policy.

The technology is only used in areas where we have patients who are in crisis or at high risk of harm, and who require additional levels of monitoring, such as the Section 136 suite. It is not used in other areas.

When individuals arrive to a 136 suite and they will be made aware that Oxevision is in the room. The role and purpose of Oxevision will be explained. ​​​​​

If a patient does not consent to physical health monitoring, then the team will make a best interest decision and consider the clinical risk of not completing the physical health monitoring and patient capacity to make the decision.

Although the technology records images and information, the recordings are not routinely available to staff. They are held securely and, unless there is a lawful reason not to, are destroyed after 24 hours.

Staff can only access and use information in real time, and for no more than 15 seconds, as part of taking the pulse and breathing rates that are necessary to the provision of care to the patient.

Our privacy policy and physical health policy is being updated to include information on Oxevision. If you have any queries re the privacy element, you can contact our data protection officer on: pcn-tr.dpo@nhs.net

Note: The video screen shown on the image we shared (on social media/ with the article) is of our closed circuit television (CCTV) system, which is separate to Oxevision. We apologise if this has caused concern.

The system is in addition to the current staffing levels, as it allows for accurate vital signs monitoring - by medical device.

Staff would still be on hand to support patients and provide 1:1 support. This technology would never replace their care, compassion and expertise.

Oxevision is not installed in patients’ bedrooms. It is used in our section 136 suites and seclusion rooms - where we have patients who are in crisis or at high risk of harm and require additional levels of monitoring.

The technology records images and information. Staff only access and use information in real time, for no more than 15 seconds, as part of taking the pulse and breathing rates.

Patients who are in our care may need their physical health monitoring as a result of agitation or distress, or as a support to a range of clinical interventions being used. The accurate recording of vital signs also supports the clinical team with other aspects of interventions, such as medication prescribing.

We’re happy to take feedback and answer any questions. Please contact:

·       Matt Walsh, director and project lead: matt.walsh@nhs.net

·       Rachael Osborne, service manager and clinical lead: rachael.osborne@nhs.net

If you have any queries re the Privacy element, you can contact our data protection officer via pcn-tr.dpo@nhs.net