Security surveillance

We use surveillance at our hospitals to:

• lessen serious and imminent threats to the life, health, safety or welfare of individuals
• deter, detect and respond to criminal offences against person or property
• facilitate and support an effective response by law enforcement officers or other emergency services personnel to situations of concern
• protect the assets and property of Western Health and persons on Western Health premises including employees, contractors and other providers, patients and or visitors
• assist in the identification and prosecution (or taking of other disciplinary steps) of persons in relation to criminal matters
• improve workplace health and safety, by investigating accidents.

In line with Australian Standard AS 4806.1-2006, signs are clearly displayed at all hospital entrances to let people know surveillance is in use 24/7.

We also provide signage in multiple languages to reflect the diverse communities we serve. 

We use the following security measures:

• CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) covering key areas
• Body-worn cameras worn by security personnel while on duty
• 24/7 security personnel at all hospitals.

• Footage is stored securely for 31 days, in line with AS 4806.1-2006.
• This period may be extended if there’s an active incident or investigation.
• All footage is protected by strict access controls, audit trails and data security measures.
• Recorded material will be handled under defined procedures to preserve continuity of evidence.

Surveillance footage may be shared in the following situations:

• Where it is related to the employment of employees of the employer or the legitimate business activities or functions of the employer.
• To a law enforcement agency in relation to an offence or investigation.
• It is related to criminal or civil proceedings.
• It is reasonably believed necessary to avert an imminent threat of serious violence to someone or substantial damage to property.

If you believe you appear in CCTV footage and want access, you can apply under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

To apply, send your request to foi@wh.org.au. Your legal representative can also submit the request on your behalf.

When submitting your request, you must:

• clearly state why you’re requesting access, in line with the situations outlined above
• include the specific time, data and location of the footage you’re requesting
• pay the required search fee.