The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that, as it continues to receive enquiries from members of the public, patients and hospital staff about the use of mobile phones in clinical settings, it has published information on its website to answer some of the common questions and dispel some of the misconceptions about the issue.
The agency said that it does not recommend a blanket ban on the use of mobile phones in hospitals, recognizing that they are in everyday use and provide a practical means of communication for people. However, under certain circumstances, the MHRA said, the electromagnetic interference from a mobile can affect the performance of some medical devices. The regulator therefore recommends that hospitals and trusts develop local rules to minimize the risk of interference with critical medical equipment.
To help indicate areas in hospitals where mobile phones can and cannot be used, the MHRA has produced two posters that can be displayed.
“The MHRA advises that hospitals develop their own rules on mobile phone use, taking account of local circumstances such as the location of sensitive medical equipment,” commented Professor Kent Woods, MHRA chief executive. “The agency recommends that mobile phones are not used in critical care areas such as intensive therapy units, special care baby units or where patients are attached to complex devices, as any effect on such equipment could be detrimental to patient care.”