Secret cameras at health clinic ‘not illegal’
Hidden cameras installed in the customer service area of SA Pathology on Frome Street were “ill-advised” but not technically illegal, SA Health says.
An investigation by the department found the secret camera equipment was installed due to a suspicion that patients’ pathology results were being tampered with.
“The cameras did not have the capability to record audio and therefore did not breach the Listening and Surveillance Devices Act 1972,” Chief Executive of SA Health David Swan said in a statement this morning.
“However the decision to use covert surveillance equipment was made without consultation or approval from executive level management or human resources.
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“We’re now in the process of developing a new policy governing the use of surveillance equipment across SA Health to ensure this kind of situation does not happen again.”
The covert cameras have been removed.
Under the new policy, cameras will have to be clearly visible in public health clinics and staff must be made aware of their presence.
An SA Health spokesperson said that, in future, if covert surveillance is required in the case of suspected criminal activity or misconduct, SA Police and SA Health’s Chief Executive will be consulted.
SA Health says he investigation did not look into the allegations of tampering.
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