Use of spy cameras in Health Dept ‘inappropriate’ but not illegal

THE use of spy cameras by SA Pathology was ‘inappropriate’ but not illegal, an internal investigation has found.

THE use of spy cameras by SA Pathology was ‘inappropriate’ but not illegal, an internal investigation has found.

The covert surveillance camera equipment was used at SA Pathology in their Customer Services area at the Frome Road site.

The hidden spy cameras were installed amid fear there was tampering going on with pathology results, putting patients at risk.

SA Health chief executive David Swan said while the investigation found the surveillance activity may not have been appropriate, it did not breach any laws.

“Once it came to my attention in January that SA Pathology had installed covert

surveillance camera equipment I asked for a formal investigation to review the situation,” Mr Swan said.

“The investigation has found that the camera equipment was installed due to suspicion of tampering with pathology results, therefore putting patient care at risk.

“The cameras did not have the capability to record audio and therefore did not breach the Listening and Surveillance Devices Act 1972.

“However the decision to use covert surveillance equipment was made without consultation or approval from executive level management or human resources.”

SA Health will introduce a new policy approving the use of spy cameras — so long as they can be seen and staff are aware of their presence.

The new policy will also allow the use of hidden cameras if criminal activity is suspected, but in conjunction with SA Police.

Mr Swan said whatever the intentions behind the surveillance activity, it was ill-advised.

“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,” he said

Under the new policy, any cameras installed in the workplace must be clearly visible and staff must be aware of their presence.

In future, if criminal activity or misconduct is suspected covert surveillance will only be

undertaken following guidance from SAPOL, and with the authority of SA Health’s

chief executive.

The investigation was sparked after a staff member contacted Opposition Leader Steven Marshall to complain.

SA Pathology executive director Ken Barr subsequently admitted the department disguised two cameras in smoke detectors in the Frome Rd mailroom.

A staff member who contacted The Advertiser at the time said: “When I got up and had a look, through the grill you could see a small lens,” he said.

“I (could see) the model number and all the details (so) I got on the internet and looked up that particular model of unit and I found it was audio capable. I noticed all the cables were connected to the unit ... if there were audio cables that came out of the unit, they were connected.”

The worker then alerted the Public Service Association and the cameras were removed.

At the time Mr Barr said the two video cameras were installed in the organisation’s Frome Rd mailroom after “a number of serious allegations” were made concerning delays to posting out patient results over a period of several months.

“As a result of our concerns about timely patient care, it resulted in us authorising for this investigation and the use of covert cameras,” he said.

The cameras were installed to spy on staff in the consumer products area — or mail room — which is responsible for processing and posting out test ­results.

“Normally results are turned around in two to three days but the delay was excessive,” Mr Barr said.

“We felt the actions were appropriate in this circumstance.”