Cork TD says use of surveillance in mental health services raises serious concerns

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) are to run a consultation on the use of surveillance in mental health services, however, a Cork TD and former clinical psychologist said that surveillance raises serious concerns.

The consultation, which will run until July 16, is seeking stakeholder and service user views.

Surveillance in mental health services involves using technology to observe or monitor service users to inform their care and treatment.

Examples of surveillance technologies include CCTV, body worn cameras, infrared cameras, sensors, alarms, and GPS trackers.

Issues

Social Democrats TD for Cork East Liam Quaide told The Echo that the use of surveillance technology in mental health settings “raises serious issues around privacy and dignity, as well as potentially serving the safety needs of patients, residents, family members and staff”.

“It’s welcome therefore that the Mental Health Commission is undertaking a consultation with people who are most impacted by its use as part of creating a Code of Practice in this area.”

Commenting on the launch, the director of regulation at the Mental Health Commission, Gary Kiernan, said:

“Surveillance technologies have advanced considerably in recent years, and this is a complex area.

“The Mental Health Commission wants to develop a code of practice that takes account of these technological advancements while encouraging and promoting good practices and high standards in relation to their use.”

The MHC would like to hear from people who use mental health services about how surveillance technologies impact or may impact their care and treatment, as well as service users’ family members, carers, and friends, people working in mental health, relevant organisations, and the public.

In addition to the consultation survey, they will hold focus groups and interviews with interested stakeholders — people can email standards@mhcirl.ie by July 16 to get involved.