York Central Hospital has introduced a new policy which applies to all cell phones and other wireless devices. Cell phones and other wireless two-way communication devices such as Blackberries, Treos and laptop computers are now allowed in the hospital in specifically designated “cell friendly” areas. The new policy is based on recent research that shows there is no evidence of risk of medical device failure when operating cell phones or other handheld devices within appropriate guidelines.

Cell Phone Photography
In keeping with strict provincial privacy guidelines designed to preserve patient confidentiality, cell phones and other wireless communication devices must not be used to photograph, take video images or record conversations of any patient, physician, volunteer or staff member without prior authorization.

Why Is It Necessary To Restrict The Use Of Such Devices in Some Areas? If used in restricted areas, cell phones and other wireless two-way communication devices can interfere with the proper operation of diagnostic, monitoring and life support equipment - such as ventilators, infusion pumps, dialysis machines, patient monitors and infant incubators. To avoid the risk of interference with medical equipment, as well as unnecessary interruptions during the patient care process, York Central Hospital requires that all two-way wireless devices be turned off in highly sensitive patient care areas.

Restricted Areas All cell phones and other other wireless two-way communication devices must be turned off in the following highly sensitive patient care areas: Cardiac Care Unit Dialysis Units (all units) Emergency Department (Patient Care Areas) Endoscopy Unit Diagnostic Imaging Intensive Care (all units) Labour and Delivery Unit Operating Rooms Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Special Care Nursery

 
Restricted Two-Way Communication Devices
Communication devices that are not to be used in restricted areas include:

• Cell phones
• Walkie-talkies
• Two-way pagers
• Personal Digital Assistants (i.e. Blackberry, Treo)
• Laptop computers

Cell Friendly Zones
Your co-operation and the responsible use of your cell phone and other wireless two-way communication devices is important in helping York Central Hospital to ensure a safe environment for all patients.

Cell phones and other wireless two-way communication devices can safely be used in the main entrance lobbies, hallways and most patient and visitor waiting rooms.

Signs
Signs regarding the use of cell phones and other wireless two-way communication devices will be posted outside of all critical care and sensitive patient care areas. If you are unsure about using your cell phone or wireless communication device, please turn it off and ask staff who work in that area if it is safe to proceed.

Cell Phone Courtesy
The following guidelines are strongly recommended to ensure courteous and considerate use of cell phones and other wireless two-way communication devices by everyone in the hospital environment.

• Please be discreet with your conversations and keep your voice at a level that will not disturb other patients, care givers or the patient care environment.
• Ensure your cell phones and other wireless two-way communication devices are turned to vibrate or silent at all times in patient rooms
• Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to turn cell phones off during rest periods as not to disturb other patients.