HOSPITAL security guards have a new weapon against yobs- cameras which could provide evidence to convict aggressors in court.

The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has purchased three body-mounted surveillance cameras, in a bid to combat acts of violence and aggression towards its employees.

The trust stated that in 2009 and 2010 there were 90 physical assaults against their members of staff, including one sexual attack.

The cost of the three cameras to the Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust comes to a total of £1,548.

Trained security staff at Hillingdon Hospital in Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, will be able to begin wearing the new devices, in efforts to make it a safer place to work and visit.

The cameras record images just like CCTV, but with the extra advantage of recording sound.

It is hoped that the cameras will provide a deterrent and evidence for police prosecutions against offenders.

Security guards wearing the body cameras have been instructed to warn people in advance that they are going to be filmed.

Sue Bolt, security manager at Hillingdon Hospital, said: "Our patients and staff should not be subjected to assaults whether it’s verbal or physical, and we hope that this new introduction will mean that an aggressive situation can be calmed down before it escalates any further.

"Other London hospitals have seen a dramatic reduction in violent incidents since introducing the cameras, and we are very hopeful the same will be found here."

In December 2009 six security staff at the hospital were accredited with targeted police powers to enable them to tackle anti-social behaviour, nuisance and disorder at the trust, allowing them to work for effectively.

Donald Edwards, publicity officer for Hillingdon-based health group Community Voice, said: "This was raised at the latest board meeting. They say they are going to switch on the cameras when they are needed to be used.

"They will not be walking round filming all the time. It would also be draining on the batteries if they were. I cannot understand people that go to hospital to be treated and then start mal-treating people who are trying to treat you. What a crazy world we live in."

It is not the first instance of a public body using handheld cameras to detect assaults on its staff.

In February 2009 Hillingdon Council purchased three lollipop sticks with in-built cameras to be rotated around the borough to help prosecute aggressive behaviour towards its lollipop wardens.