The revolutionary new technology enabled staff to continuously monitor patients’ vital signs, while asleep, without having to disturb them. The cameras can be installed safely enclosed inside a ligature-proof secure housing in a seclusion room or patient’s bedroom. The system does not need any additional sensors or physical contact with the patient. Display monitors linked to the cameras give hospital staff real time heartbeat and breathing rates and automatically alert them if there are any problems. Staff do not need to view a live video feed of the patient, but can monitor vital signs via an audible or visual alert. The system allows patients’ privacy and dignity to be better safeguarded than with traditional visual observations, irrespective of the gender of the member of staff responsible for checking on patients’ wellbeing.