Hospitals advised to end mobile phone bans

Hospitals in England have been told to consider allowing “more liberal use of mobile phones”, following new guidance issued today by the Department of Health.

Under the new guidelines areas of hospitals where mobile phone use is banned could become the exception rather than the norm. Bans will remain in place in areas where critical care equipment is susceptible to electro magnetic interference.

The latest guidance says 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”.

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 must 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.”

Bradshaw added: "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 mobile phones usage are made locally by trusts and the DH says that trusts should take full account of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommendations.

Clive Bray, director of Device Technology and Safety at the MHRA 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."

The revised guidelines are likely to be bad news for providers of bedside patient entertainment and telephone systems.

Patientline, which had been the largest provider of NHS bedside telephones, went into recievership last July. The company had attracted widespread criticism for charging a premium rate of 49p a minute on incoming calls, Patientline has since been taken over and renamed Hospedia, focusing on patient entertainment.