WREXHAM Maelor Hospital has announced it is scaling back its ban on the use of mobile phones on wards.
When mobiles first came into widespread use there were concerns they could interfere with sensitive medical equipment such as monitors.
However, extensive testing has shown that problems only occur if phones are brought close to such equipment.
This means in many parts of a hospital mobiles can be used safely and so patients and visitors will be allowed to use their phones, although this will be subject to strict conditions to make sure the welfare of other patients is not affected and to avoid disruption to any patient’s treatment.
Spokesman Andy Scotson said: “There will be clear signs showing where phones can be used safely - in other areas they should we switched off.
“We will also insist mobile phones are switched to silent mode inside the hospital, that people show courtesy to other patients by keeping noise levels down when talking and that any requests from staff not to use a phone in a particular area are followed.
“There is also a total ban on the taking of photos or video clips unless a member of staff has given permission for this.
“Hopefully, everyone will recognise these rules are there to protect the peace, privacy and well being of all our patients, and they will be followed so we do not have to revert back to the blanket ban.”
