The Lampard Inquiry, which is investigating the deaths of more than 2,000 mental health patients in Essex over a 24-year period, heard testimony regarding the use of Oxevision monitoring technology in inpatient mental health wards. The system uses infrared sensors and cameras to monitor patients in their rooms.
Two academics from the University of Oxford presented findings after reviewing 45 studies that were used to support the adoption of Oxevision across the NHS. Their analysis identified concerns that some studies involved Oxevision employees or lacked sufficient scope. The researchers concluded that the existing studies do “not provide strong independent evidence of improved patient safety, acceptability or cost effectiveness.” However, one expert acknowledged that conducting ideal randomized controlled trials in mental health ward settings presents practical challenges.
LIO Health, which operates Oxevision, has previously stated that the technology plays a vital role in supporting safer inpatient mental health care. The company cited data indicating that in one trust, the technology contributed to staff responses to 1,453 safety incidents over a four-year period.
Law firm Hodge Jones & Allen, representing more than 120 bereaved families at the inquiry, characterized the expert testimony as demonstrating an absence of clear evidence supporting improved patient safety or care. The campaign group Stop Oxevision expressed broader concerns about the lack of regulatory oversight that allowed widespread deployment of the technology without robust independent evidence.
Oxford University researchers recommended that “further independent, randomised, and adequately controlled research” be conducted before stronger conclusions can be made. The inquiry will resume in October, when interim recommendations may be issued. Full hearings are scheduled to continue until late 2027, with a final report expected in 2028.
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