Patients can start using their mobile phones when the ban on them gets lifted shortly. Mobile phones were not permitted in the hospitals because it was believed that its electromagnetic radiation might hinder the functioning of medical equipments. But as per the directive issued from the Department of Health, cell phones can be used everywhere excepting near a few specialist equipments.
This announcement has brought in cheer to the patients who were forced to pay to use the private phone lines. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency had reported last year that specialist units and baby units were affected by cell phones. But a study published in the British Medical Journal reported that the cell phones affected only 4% of the medical instruments and that too only at a distance of 1 meter. They also reported that mobile phones are harmless to patients.According to Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Gateshead East and Washington West, the use of mobile phones give the patients a feeling of proximity with their loved ones. She also said that safety parameters should always be followed. The lifting up of ban on cell phones in hospital has been welcomed by the Patients Association also.
Source-Medindia
JYT
