ICO watchdog opens inquiry into cameras in mental health patients’ bedrooms

Sophie Alderman, who had a history of serious mental and self-harm, killed herself in August 2022 in Rochford hospital, Essex while under surveillance by Oxevision’s system. Photograph: Supplied

The information commissioner has launched an investigation into a controversial camera-based system for monitoring patients in their bedrooms, used by 40% of NHS mental health trusts, over data protection concerns.

Oxevision is described by patients as “creepy” and a form of “spying”, and has been blamed by a bereaved mother for contributing to her daughter’s sense of paranoia before she took her own life.