THE use of hidden cameras to spy on South Australian health workers was inappropriate but not unlawful, an internal investigation has found.
SA Health admitted last year that cameras had been hidden in smoke detectors to monitor staff at an Adelaide pathology site.
Chief executive David Swan says the camera equipment was installed because staff were suspected of tampering with pathology results. While the surveillance was “ill-advised” and carried out without executive approval, it didn’t breach any laws because the cameras were not capable of recording audio. “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,” Mr Swan said on Friday. Under the new policy, any cameras installed in the workplace must be clearly visible to staff. Covert surveillance may still be used, but only with authority from the chief executive and guidance from police.