Mobile Phones

We understand that there will be times when, as a patient or visitor in one of our hospitals, you may need to use a mobile telephone. We ask you to bear in mind the privacy and dignity of others around you and to act with courtesy and appropriateness.

This is principally to protect patients from undue noise and disturbance and to promote a restful and therapeutic care environment.  Phones must be switched off or set to silent.

The use of mobile telephones in the following areas is not allowed by the Trust:-

• On wards including day rooms
• Maternity Units / Special Baby Units

Mobile phones must be turned off and not used in the following high risk areas for safety reasons:-

• Theatres including access and waiting areas
• HDU/ITU/CCU including access and waiting areas
• Clinical treatment areas

Mobile phone use is permitted in the following areas:-

• Hospital reception and entrance areas,
• Non-clinical communal areas - which may include café areas,
• Specially designated rooms/areas,
• Public corridors.

Signs around the hospital will show you where you can use your mobile phone. If you need to make a call or send a text, make sure you go to an area where you can use your phone. If you're not sure, ask a member of staff first.

Mobile Phone Cameras / Cameras

You are NOT permitted to take pictures or videos using your mobile phone or a camera.

The use of camera phones and other photographic devices risks infringing patient confidentiality.

The only exception to this is in maternity wards where permission must be sought from the ward sister.