Hospital-Wide Mobile Phone Bans Should Be Lifted, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 07 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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Hospitals in England should consider allowing more liberal use of mobile phones, following new guidance issued today by the Department of Health.

The updated guidance indicates that NHS trusts should consider giving patients, staff and visitors the widest possible use of mobile phones, where it doesn't interfere with equipment, the privacy of others or cause a nuisance.

The new guidance stipulates that mobile phone use should continue to be restricted in areas where critical care equipment susceptible to electro magnetic interference is used. Areas where phones should not be used should be clearly indicated so that patients and staff are fully aware.

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said:
"Close support and comfort from loved ones when you are poorly in hospital is essential. Mobiles phones are commonplace in everyday life these days and people have told us that they'd like to be able to use their phones more in hospital to keep in touch.

"That's why we're keen to encourage sensible use in NHS hospitals where it is safe to do so, in addition to other services offered in hospitals such bedside payphones, TV and internet access."

Decisions on appropriate usage of mobile phones are made locally by trusts and should take full account of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommendations on the safe use of mobile phones in hospitals.

Clive Bray, Director of Device Technology and Safety at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said:
"The MHRA recognises that mobile phones provide a practical way for patients to keep in touch with friends and relatives during their hospital stay. We welcome the clarification in guidance on the use of mobile phones in non critical areas."

Notes

1. The guidelines can be viewed here.

2. The guidance was first produced in August 2006. This revision replaces the second guidance published in May 2007. In updating this guidance, the Department of Health has consulted the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

3. The Department of Health regularly keeps guidance issued to Primary Care Trusts under review to reflect patient views and changing circumstances.

4. This guidance provides useful links to relevant source information, which NHS Trusts should refer to before developing their mobile phone usage policy and when carrying out their local risk assessment.

5. Other services provided within the hospital include bedside telephones, hospital payphones, TVs and internet access.

Department of Health, UK