Lampard Inquiry is to examine whether controversial patient cameras linked to mental health deaths should be banned

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

Campaigners say staff at NHS mental health wards are letting patients die by swapping human checks for Oxevision cameras — and the Lampard Inquiry is now preparing to decide whether the technology should be stopped entirely. The inquiry, already investigating thousands of deaths at Essex mental health trusts, is expected to rule on whether emergency interim guidance is needed. Nina Ali, representing 120 victims' families, called the system 'intrusive, clinically ineffective and potentially unlawful'.

Oxevision, which remotely monitors movement, breathing and pulse, has been installed in half of all mental health trusts in England.

Lawyers from Bindmans, acting for the Stop Oxevision campaign, have urged the Information Commissioner's Office to investigate whether the system's data collection is lawful.

Ali told the inquiry: 'People across the country are dying or being harmed while under mental health care as this inquiry continues to sit and hear evidence.'