PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
This page outlines how recording, photography, and video surveillance are managed at SMH to protect privacy and support a safe environment.Photography and Recording at SMH
Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of our patients, families, visitors, and staff.
We understand that patients and families may wish to record certain interactions or moments of care. This guide outlines when and how recordings (including audio, video, or photography) may take place at SMH.
Guiding Principles
To support a safe and respectful care environment, all recordings must follow these principles:
- Respect privacy and confidentiality: Recordings must not capture or disclose the personal or health information of other patients, families, or staff.
- Obtain consent: You must receive permission from anyone who may be seen or heard in your recording, unless the recording includes only you or your child.
- Support safe and compassionate care: Recording must not interfere with patient care, hospital operations, or the comfort and safety of others.
- Follow hospital policies: SMH reserves the right to stop or prohibit any recording that does not meet these requirements.
Overview
SMH respects the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals in our care and workplace. As a health information custodian under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), we are required to protect personal and personal health information at all times.
We provide care to vulnerable individuals, and it is essential that their privacy and safety are maintained.
While Canadian law may allow recordings in certain circumstances with one-party consent, hospitals may set additional requirements to ensure a safe and respectful environment. Recording may be restricted or stopped if it:
- Occurs without appropriate consent
- Captures personal or health information of others
- Disrupts care or hospital operations
- Creates discomfort or safety concerns
These guidelines are intended to promote trust, open communication, and respectful interactions between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
When Recording May Be Allowed
Recording may be permitted when:
- You are recording yourself or your child
- You have obtained consent from anyone else who may be included
- The recording does not interfere with care or hospital operations
If you are unsure whether recording is appropriate, please speak with your care team first.
When Recording Is Not Permitted
Recording is not allowed in situations where:
- Consent has not been obtained from those being recorded
- Other patients or their information may be captured
- Clinical care or safety could be disrupted
- The recording may compromise privacy or confidentiality
SMH staff may ask you to stop recording if these conditions are not met.
Sharing Recordings
If you choose to share recordings publicly (e.g., on social media), you are responsible for ensuring that:
- No identifiable information about other patients or staff is included without consent
- The content respects the privacy and dignity of others
Video Surveillance at SMH
Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff. As part of this commitment, video surveillance is used in select areas of the hospital and on hospital property.
This may include Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems and, where appropriate, body-worn cameras used by authorized personnel, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
How We Use Video Surveillance
Video surveillance is used to support safety and security by:
- Helping prevent incidents such as theft, disturbances, or violence
- Monitoring high-risk areas to reduce safety risks
- Supporting timely response to incidents
- Assisting in investigations related to safety, security, or policy concerns
- Providing information to law enforcement where appropriate
Privacy and Protection of Information
Any information collected through video surveillance is:
- Used and disclosed in accordance with applicable legislation, including FIPPA
- Limited to what is necessary to achieve safety and security purposes
- Protected through appropriate safeguards
Signage is posted throughout the hospital to inform patients, visitors, and staff where video surveillance is in use.
Retention of Recordings
Video recordings are typically retained for approximately 30 days.
If footage is required for an investigation (e.g., related to a safety incident, legal matter, or policy concern), it may be retained for a longer period in accordance with hospital policy and legal requirements.
Your Questions and Concerns
We recognize that recording may sometimes be requested for personal, communication, or safety reasons. We encourage open discussion with your healthcare team to find appropriate solutions that support your needs while respecting others.
Contact Us
If you have questions about recording or privacy at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, please contact:
Privacy Office
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
705-435-3377 ext. 3435
Privacy@smhosp.on.ca