“A recent study conducted at South Central determined that use of cellular phones in some areas of the building did not interfere with patient monitoring systems, so we revised our policy,” says Steve Earnest, Public Safety Director at South Central Regional Medical Center. “The change in our policy to allow use of cell phones in certain areas of the medical center has already generated a positive response from the community.”

Signs have been placed throughout South Central Regional Medical Center identifying areas where cellular phone use is restricted. “Distance is key in determining where cell phones can be used within a medical facility,” Earnest says. “We are also placing signs on monitors, defibrillators, and ventilators as a reminder that cell phones may not be used within 20 feet of the equipment.”

Areas at South Central restricted from cellular phone use include: Critical Care, the Emergency Department, Surgery, the Newborn Nursery, the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, and the First West Telemetry Wing. Earnest says that patient care rooms with cardiac monitoring equipment in use will also be off limits to cellular phone users.

“Patient safety has been and will continue to be our top priority at the medical center,” Earnest says. “But communication is key when you or a loved one is in the hospital, and everyone has become accustomed to using their cell phones to talk with family members and friends.”