Are Hospitals Allowed To Have Cameras To Watch You In Your Room???

mizzkaren · March 2011

Hi everyone! This is the first time I have posted anything in IN! I was wondering...are hospitals allowed to have cameras in the rooms to watch the patients?????

I had to go to the hospital triage room last week, St. Vincent Women's Hospital in Indy. I got in bed, and there was a curtain but it was never used except for when the nurse pulled it shut to get the doppler out. Right across the curtain (that was open), I noticed right next to the door and on the wall there was a small circle, STRAIGHT across the bed!!! It looked like a peephole, but it wasn't actually on the door.

Of course I was too uncomfortable to read what I signed when I got there and checked in. Has anyone ever heard of this, or does anyone work there that could explain what this was to me? I have been SO curious all week about this. Of course if it was a camera it saw me undress my bottom half. I'm never signing anything in a hurry again, that's for sure!

IndyPRGirl · March 2011

I've not been to Women's, but my guess (without seeing it) is that it is their nurse/staff tracking system.

You could always call up there and ask to speak with their AA or Patient Care Advocate.

MommaMcG · March 2011

Hmm, creepy! I have no clue though. I was at that triage a month ago and didn't notice anything like that--but luckily, I didn't have to undress. I hope everything is okay with you and the little bean!

Carmela752 · March 2011

I've never been there but have worked in other hospitals. I doubt it was a camera. The only units I've seen with cameras are neuro (so a seizure patient wouldn't be seizing and no one knows), and a couple types of psychiatric rooms (if someone is at risk of trying to commit suicide.) I'm guessing it's something to do with their computer system, their communications system (if they have nurse phones or pagers), or something to do with their fetal monitoring.) You could always call and ask for your peace of mind though.