Need policy on cell phone use in hospitals

[Zu56]

Hi,
This question is mostly for those in healthcare.
Do you have a policy on cell phone use in your facilities?
What is it based on? Any ideas where to get reliable information?
I need to re-write our existing policy which simply prohibits ANY use of cell phones.
Thank you

 

[mikeydidit]

I think that is how are policy was until about 4 years ago. After our biomedical group did some testing with medical equipment. Now it's pretty much unrestricted. The wavelength of the cell phones was not in the same range as medical equipment and had not adverse effects. That was why they did a complete reversal from the old policy. I can look it up if you need it.

Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.
Thomas A. Edison

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594

 

[Zu56]

mikedidit,
That would be great if you could let me see the policy. I have to start somewhere.
Thanks.

 

[smurfyIAG]

Been reading the BMJ have we?

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/335/7633/1288

Here's a recent study confirming that there is a risk:

http://ccforum.com/content/11/5/R98

Sean Murphy
Call Centre Analyst
IAG New Zealand

 

[Zu56]

I am not arguing that a cell phone can interfere with critical care equipment at close proximity. But this is not the reason to prohibit the cell phone use on the first floor while the ICCU is on the third (just an example).
Thank you for the info, smurfyIAG