ASK A STUPID QUESTION

Can I use a mobile phone in hospital?

Professor Mark Fielder, an expert in medical microbiology at Kingston University, says: ‘Current

NHS guidance says they can be used as long as they don’t affect medical equipment or patients’ safety and dignity.

‘I would say don’t use them on a ward, as they can interfere with instruments such as dialysis machines, defibrillators, ventilators, monitors and pumps.

‘Loud ringtones and alarms can also be confused with alarms on medical equipment. And mobiles can spread infection because we hold them close to the mouth and nose, where they can pick up bacteria.

‘In the hospital canteen it’s probably safe, but wash your hands afterwards.’