A camera found in the women’s locker room at Concord Hospital has triggered a police investigation and raised alarms among staff about safety.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, the Concord Police Department received a complaint about a camera in the women’s locker room between the intensive care unit and the operating room at the hospital.
Robert P. Steigmeyer, the hospital’s president and CEO, informed staff that a camera had been installed in the women’s locker room as part of an internal investigation into a “series of thefts, according to an email sent to nurses that was obtained by the Monitor.
Steigmeyer wrote that the camera was placed to capture only the view of a single locker.
“Regardless of the purpose or limited recording area, the hospital condemns the use of any kind of recording device in private areas such as this and is deeply concerned that this camera was placed without authorization from senior leadership,” the email read.
The hospital has since removed the camera.
Those who reached out to the Monitor said they wished to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. They raised concerns about the length of time the camera had been in place before it was discovered and questioned who had access to the footage.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to Deputy Chief Barrett Moulton.
The hospital said it is fully cooperating with local authorities. An internal investigation is also underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the placement of this device. The hospital will pursue appropriate disciplinary action for anyone who acted in violation of hospital policies as well as city, state or federal law.
“We understand this is concerning news, and we sincerely regret any distress or inconvenience it may cause,” Veronica L. Rosa, Chief Advancement Officer with the Concord Hospital, said in a statement. “Please know that we take privacy seriously and remain fully committed to supporting and protecting the well-being of every member of our staff.”