July 29, 2004
Hospital mobile phone laws relax
Hospital could lift bans on mobile phone use following updated guidance by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, reports the BBC.
"It previously cautioned against use in some settings because of the potential to interfere with medical equipment, triggering bans in some hospitals.
Its new report says hospitals should consider designating areas where staff and visitors can use mobile phones safely.
Doctors have repeatedly called for bans to be lifted.
The MHRA said the new advice was necessary to take account of developments in mobile technology and the growing communication needs of patients, visitors and hospital staff. "
Related articles:
-- Hospital to permit cell phone usage - Fukuoka's Kyushu University Hospital says that it has started permitting patients to use their cellphones while in hospital.
-- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel.
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