Let’s end the ban on using mobiles in hospitals NOW

The Department of Health in England has finally issued guidance on more widespread use of mobiles in hospitals, five years after it was reported outright bans weren’t needed.

This is an issue BMA Cymru Wales drew attention to last Summer, when it was announced hospitals it Wrexham and Flintshire were easing the rules.

It would be good for patients, putting an end to the excessive cost of making and receiving hospital calls. They shouldn’t be punished financially, at the very time they need to keep in touch with their friends and relatives.

Removing the ban on the use of mobile phones would also enable easier communication between doctors, which would be good news to patients ultimately, because it would mean better use of doctors' time.
So long as places where phones shouldn’t be used are clearly marked, and patients aren’t
unduly disturbed by others using their mobiles and they’re kept out of areas with sensitive medical equipment, then I would hope ALL Trusts around Wales will look at their current policies and remove any restrictions on using mobiles.