Mobiles 'should not be banned in hospitals'

Using mobile phones should not be banned in hospitals, according to medical researchers.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, academics Adam Burgess and Stuart Derbyshire said prohibiting the use of mobiles is unnecessary and the devices do not interfere with medical equipment.

The pair added that the most likely downside from the use of mobiles in hospitals will be the annoyance caused by ringtones, rather than health risks posed by their use. The researchers also argue there may be benefits to hospitals adopting mobiles by improving communication between staff who currently rely on pagers.

While many hospitals remain no-go areas for mobile users, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has advised the medical profession that rather than banning all mobiles, they should work to balance the risks.

However, the two academics believe rules on mobile use will become even more restrictive following recommendations by the Department of Health that handsets which take photos or videos should be banned to protect patient privacy.