Video surveillance uncovers parental child abuse

Evidence of child abuse carried out by parents has been uncovered by secret video cameras hidden in two hospitals, according to a report by Professor David Southall in which he calls for sweeping changes in Britain's approach to child protection.

The report, which is to be published in Pediatrics on 3 November, is based on covert video surveillance of 39 children admitted to hospital after recurrent episodes of losing consciousness, going blue, or stopping breathing. There was strong suspicion that the children were in serious danger of life threatening abuse by a parent …