Quality Approved Resource logoThis leaflet may not be reproduced in whole or in part, without the permission of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

Oxevision: Opt-in consent model

Oxevision (Oxehealth) is a medical device that uses an infrared-sensitive camera to measure your pulse and breathing rate. The system has been installed to improve patient safety and patient experience. This leaflet explains what it is and how it helps staff care for you more safely.

Oxevision is a safety system available in every bedroom on the ward to improve patient safety and patient experience.

If you are having a difficult time in your room, the system can alert staff, allowing them to come and offer support. An example might be if you have been in the bathroom for a long time, or if you have left your bed at night.

The system can also allow staff to take your pulse and breathing rate electronically without disturbing you, helping to keep you safe and well.

It is not a replacement for face to face engagement and observation on the ward. It is an additional tool we can use to help keep you safe. Some wards already use other types of safety alerts.

A member of the healthcare team will discuss with you whether Oxevision should be turned on in your room.

  • It helps staff to keep you safe
  • Staff can check your pulse and breathing rate remotely

  • Oxevision is available in every bedroom on the ward
  • It is in a long box above your bed

The Oxevision box on the ceiling above a bed

 

Oxevision is a medical device that uses an infrared-sensitive camera to measure your pulse and breathing rate. Infrared is a light which is invisible to the human eye but helps the camera see in a darkened room.

You may notice a red ‘glow’ from the unit in your bedroom. The infrared lights are on all the time but the camera is not.

A close up of the Oxevision unit showing the camera sensor and infrared lights

  • It provides notifications to staff as explained below
  • It shows staff how long you’ve been resting and how long you've been active
  • It does not replace direct staff care during your stay

The system can monitor you within your bedroom, but not in your bathroom or any other private spaces.

  • Staff can only see into your room for a maximum of 15 seconds when checking on your physical health (like taking your vital signs or thinking you may need some help in your room)
  • Staff cannot constantly observe the camera and will only be able to see the feed if they are alerted or required to check your physical observations
  • The system will only measure your vital signs when staff take an observation
  • It will not alert staff to a change in vital signs, for example if your heart rate or breathing increases or decreases
  • It does not detect sound

You can ask to see how Oxevision works . Staff will be happy to show you how the system can support your safety.

Staff receive information and notifications:

  • On electronic tablets they carry with them on the wards
  • On a dedicated office computer screen

A view of the screen used by staff on their devices, showing a list of bedroom numbers

There are four types of notifications that staff can see and respond to:

  1. Leaving bed: When you are leaving your bed
  2. Out of bed: When you are not in your bed
  3. In bathroom: When you enter the ensuite bathroom or stay in there for a long time. The system knows you're inside, but it can't see what you're doing
  4. Multiple people: When another person enters your room while you are already in it

If you need help always speak to a member of staff.

Staff can:

  • Measure your pulse and breathing rate
  • Receive information on your active and resting periods, which you might then discuss with your named clinician

A clear image can be seen for up to 15 seconds only when checking your pulse and breathing rate. Your pulse rate is measured by counting the number of times your heart beats per minute (BPM).

A person lying on a hospital bed. The Oxevision image also shows the pulse and breathing rate.

Staff can also view via the camera sensor if there is an alert when:

  • a patient spends a long time in their bathroom
  • multi room occupancy
  • leaving bed or out of bed

A blurred image of the bedroom can then be seen for up to 15 seconds:

A blurred image of a person lying on a hospital bed

Staff have no access to clear images that are recorded.

  • Your personal data is protected by NHS regulation and national law
  • Clear video images are recorded but are automatically deleted 24 hours later
  • All other data kept is anonymous (non-personal) and is only used to ensure Oxevision is working as it should
  • Staff can request short clips of recorded images when there is a safety incident
  • If recorded images are used for a safety review, you have the right to be informed.

When you are admitted to the ward your named nurse will discuss with you whether to switch Oxevision on.

You may not have capacity to make that decision for yourself. In that case the clinical team will decide with your family, carer or advocate whether it is in your best interests to do so.

This decision will be reviewed regularly throughout your stay. You can at any point request to have the system turned on or off.

If you are admitted to a 136 suite the system will always be turned on there for your safety. It cannot be turned off.

If you choose not to use the Oxevision system, staff will still be working with you to keep you safe.

Please speak to your named nurse to help you decide.

This video will show you:

  • what Oxevision is
  • what it looks like
  • how staff use it

www.youtube.com/watch?v=POqxJxp5tSw

Do you want to know more or have concerns?

Please ask your named nurse or ward manager if you have any questions. Staff will be happy to show you how it works and provide further information.

Use this link to view the Trust’s privacy notice: www.cntw.nhs.uk/foi/data-protection

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention.  

You can provide feedback in the following ways:

  • the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
  • complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff 
  • other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved one's care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

North of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: pals@nhct.nhs.uk
Post: FREEPOST PALS

South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: pals@cntw.nhs.uk
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9.00am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/937/0825 August 2025 V1

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288

Review date 2026