Debate about cell phones in hospitals.

[sparks19]

Recently there has been some news articles in our local paper about hospitals refuting the thought that cell phones interfere with the machines. Many hospitals have foudn it does not affect the machines and are allowing cell phone use.... others are adamant that they do not want cell phones used in the hospital....

My question is this....

Why does it matter? Whether it interferes with machines or not people should NOT use their phones in the hospital nor even have them turned on. Remember a hospital is full of sick and injured people.... I'm sure the last thing they want to hear is everyone's cell phone ringing and playing their ridiculous songs and other noises.... nor do they want to hear some loudmouth chatting away about the days happenings. IMO< if you must use your cell phone while at a hospital please go outside to do so. There is no need to use it inside and disturb the patients.

What is your opinion?

[ramanth]

When Andy was very ill and in ICU, I would step out into the hall or into the waiting room to call family and friends to update them on his condition. I was not allowed to use the phone at the nurse station, there was no phone in his room, and no pay phone to be found.

Keeping in touch with the outside world while Andy was medically knocked out kept me sane.

Personally, I try to avoid using my cell phone out in public unless I'm expecting a call or such situations like the one I mentioned above. I try to be curteous and put my cell phone on vibrate and I make a mental note not to shout or talk loud.

[Edwina's Secretary]

What about patients gabbing on landline phones? Should those be taken out as well? Might disturb the patient in the next bed?

Last year I was in the emergency room...as a patient. There are many, many area codes in SoCal. They had a phone I could use to call my husband and tell him I was there...but the phone would not call his area code. Had I not had my cell phone to use there would not have been a way for me to talk to him. Same once I was admitted. Only way I could call him was on my cell.

You are assuming cell phone usage is only by visitors. What about patients?

[ramanth]

You bring up a good point Sara. I remember now that when Andy was recovering, he'd call friends from his cell phone to thank them for the well wishes and/or gifts.

He'd even gab when the nurses made him take daily walks. When you're cooped up and don't have visitors, you need to have an outlet of some sort. I'm sure many paitents can agree with that.

[JenBKR]

I've actually wondered about this too. My brother-in-law was in the hospital not long ago, and when we visited him I saw a hospital worker on his cell phone in the hall. I have always thought that you shouldn't have your cell on in hospital, and I'm careful to turn mine off (although I also try not to use my cell in public as much as possible). But I have heard lately that some people are saying it really is safe. When my BIL was in the hospital, he had a phone in his room, but he had to pay at the nurses station to have the phone be able to dial out. He could receive calls, but not call anyone. They told him he was not allowed to use his cell phone. Yet, it was at this hospital that I saw the worker on his cell phone. Strikes me as odd....

[Cinder & Smoke]

You are assuming cell phone usage is only by visitors.
What about patients?

And what about the REAL "abusers" of the No Cell Phone rules ...

The DOCTORS! :eek:

I've only had a couple Nurses or Nurse's AIDs complain about me using the
cell dinger inside the Hospital.
I always tried to spot a Doctor while I was being told off ...
it was almost a Sure Thing the Doc would either get or make a cell call while
*I* was being squalked at!

:p

[Edwina's Secretary]

I wonder...what makes a cell phone conversation (assuming the caller isn't shouting etc.) more annoying that any other conversation?

Two people having a conservation on a bus...normal.... someone on a cell phone on a bus...annoying... same volume...same subject....why do we find one more offensive than the other?

(I know I find it to be true!)

[ramanth]

I wonder...what makes a cell phone conversation (assuming the caller isn't shouting etc.) more annoying that any other conversation?

Two people having a conservation on a bus...normal.... someone on a cell phone on a bus...annoying... same volume...same subject....why do we find one more offensive than the other?

(I know I find it to be true!)
Because people love to eavesdrop and only hearing one part of the conversation is annoying! ;) :D

So please, everyone put your phones on speaker. :cool:

[Edwina's Secretary]

Because people love to eavesdrop and only hearing one part of the conversation is annoying! ;) :D

:D :rolleyes: :D I suspect you are right. I remember years ago a manager complaining to me that employees at the next table in the lunchroom spoke to each other in such a dialect she could not understand them.... I suggested she stop eavesdropping then and it wouldn't be a problem..... :rolleyes:

[Cataholic]

I wonder...what makes a cell phone conversation (assuming the caller isn't shouting etc.) more annoying that any other conversation?

Two people having a conservation on a bus...normal.... someone on a cell phone on a bus...annoying... same volume...same subject....why do we find one more offensive than the other?

(I know I find it to be true!)


You are essentially stating my continued argument FOR cell phone usuage. Less noise traffic!

I really don't understand people's hangup over cell phones. I would be so lost without my cell phone. I am on it nearly all the time, unless I am with Jonah. My time is precious, and, if I am sitting around waiting on something, someone, stuck in court, etc., I *need* my phone.

The local talk jock was going on this morning about someone using a cell phone in the waiting area of a MDs office, and how this guy was just yakking away on his cell phone, and everyone could hear! So blipping what! I hear conversations all the time that I have no 'use' for. Get over it. AND, the ironical part of this story is, the talk jock was going on and on about how long he had to wait in the MDs office (that was the theme of the show). I wanted to call in and say, "too bad you didn't have your cell phone with you, you could have gotten rid of a few tasks, or chatted to your mother, and not noticed the wait". I didn't call in to voice my comment. Why? I was already on the phone!!!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

When I worked at the University of Hospitals, there were cell phones all over- in fact, many doctors and nurses used them for their job. The nurses in labor & delivery and NICU especially needed them. In fact, I was but a lowly janitor, and I had to carry pager, in case a bed needed to be done "stat" or someone needed to get a hold of me- in a large hospital, you need some communication like that.

I didn't find people's cell phone conversations to be distracting or annoying at all, the hospital was so busy it scarcely mattered. And for the people who were waiting with or for loved ones, I can hardly blame them for wanting to contact someone.

[Edwina's Secretary]

And really... a hospital is not the place to go if you are expecting restful peace and quiet! Try getting a good night's sleep in one of those places... :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

(BTW...it was the admitting physican who told me I could use my cell phone in the emergency room....)

[sparks19]

LOL I really don't udnerstand why this is such a soft spot.... I mean... how did people manage to survive before cell phones were around? How did anyone get a hold of anyone?

Most often than not a hospital will contact your emergency contact if you are in the hospital. Other than that.... they can find a way to contact anyone that needs to know.

I just can't fathom WHY you MUST use a cell phone in a hospital. AND if you HAVE to call someone to tell them that someone is at the hospital... why can't you just step outside.

Wonderful... so SOME people put them on vibrate.... but too many people have the volume CRANKED up with some annoying tune blaring out of the phone... is that nessecary?

it is not hard to have respect for people around you. There is no need to be loud and boisterous... or to have your cell phone constantly ringing.... TURN IT OFF!!!!!!!!!! it's not too much to ask... I'm sure you won't stop breathing if you don't have it on lol It's not a life line... it's a bloody phone. people can wait to talk to you.

[Edwina's Secretary]

When you are the patient it is a little hard to step outside to call. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Excuse me...please take out all these tubes and devises so I can go outside and make a call? Doesn't work too well. How is it any different if I call on my cell or call on a landline theyoffered me (which did not have long distance capabilities?)

And by the way...they did offer to tell whoever was waiting in the lobby...however, I had driven myself to the hospital.

Do you think the phones in the hospital rooms should be removed as well? How are those any different?

[Lady's Human]

Cell phones in hospitals are a godsend.

After going through a long-distance pregnancy with my wife, one surgery and one ER visit that wound up as a hospital stay, I would have gone insane without it.

Between the long distance charges in a hospital room and the fact that we now reside 300 miles away from family, it is a great comfort to be able to call on a cell phone rather than pay the hospital $$$ for a simple phone call.

[Logan]

Sparks, sorry, but I agree with every one else. Within reason, cell phones should be allowed in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor's offices, etc etc etc, as long as they are not interfering with the regular business of that establishment. They provide a means of communication that would be much harder, otherwise. I would hope that anyone who leaves their phone "on" would respect the rights of others, including the professional people who are caring for them. Of course, if the doctor is standing there, needing to discuss something with a patient, any reasonable human being should get off the phone, and at least turn the ringer off, rather than saying "I'll be off in a minute". I imagine this is the exact reason that the rules are in place, if they aren't there to deter people from messing up the technology in the hospital.

I always turn mine off when I head into any office or my church, and usually just leave it in the car, instead of risking it ringing and annoying someone or ringing at a bad time.

Just my thoughts. If everyone was as careful as us, we might not need this sort of "rule" at all.

[Cinder & Smoke]

And really... a hospital is not the place to go if you are expecting restful peace and quiet!
Try getting a good night's sleep in one of those places... http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif

Oooooh, How TRUE!

* Midnite:Thirty ... (SOUND asleep) ... <snaps on ALL Lights> ...
"Hey Bub! Here, take your sleepie pill!" <gulp>
She leaves - with the LIGHTS Burning BRIGHTLY! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/mad.gif

* Oh:dark:Thirty in the AM ... A Doc and his "Assistant" <stomp> into the room ...
<snap> and EVERY light in the room comes on - both beds!
LOUD Babbling between the two of them - about the last patient they woke up ...
"Assistant" <grabs> MY wrist for a pulse ...
"Doc" looks at the chart on the bed ... "Oooopsie - wrong patient!" http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif
They adjourn to the window bed ... and start molesting my roomie.

Their "discussion" could have been heard out at the nurses station!
THEN the cell >>RINGS<< ... for an eternity ... Dippy Assistant answers hers ...
"Herrow ... Herrow ... Herrow ..." - while the darn thing CONTINUES to >>RING<<!
"Doctor, I think that might be YOUR phone ..."

He got it answered on about the TENTH ring! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/mad.gif
He didn't need the phone - whoever he was SHOUTING AT could have just
opened their window and heard him fine!
Then they left ... leaving ALL our lights burning brightly! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/mad.gif

* Then there were the 6:00 AM Wake-Ups to "get ready" for a test that wasn't
scheduled to start till 9:00 AM.

And they *b!tched* about me yappin on the cell dinger!
http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif

[sparks19]

When you are the patient it is a little hard to step outside to call. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Excuse me...please take out all these tubes and devises so I can go outside and make a call? Doesn't work too well. How is it any different if I call on my cell or call on a landline theyoffered me (which did not have long distance capabilities?)

And by the way...they did offer to tell whoever was waiting in the lobby...however, I had driven myself to the hospital.

Do you think the phones in the hospital rooms should be removed as well? How are those any different?


for patient use.... perhaps... but make your phone call quietly and then shut it off. there is no need for anyone to have their cell phones ON... and ringing off the hook in a hospital. If the hospital refuses to call your emergency contact (although i have never heard a hospital refuse to call your emergency contact if you are admitted) then you must get a hold of someone somehow (again never heard of a hospital refusing to notify anyone) Even when I had my asthma attack and was admitted THEY called to notify my emergency contact... even though I was probably only going to be there for a couple of hours. but you notify one person... they can notify everyone else and then you can shut your phone off. ;) or is it :rolleyes: :rolleyes: LOL

As for landlines in a room.... again if someone wants to see how you are doing... they can come visit you. perhaps they charge for phone use to discourage people who want to just yak away on the phone all the time. Private room? sure you are only disturbing yourself.... but you dont need to disturb others. I can't stand when people have loud conversations whether they are on a phone or not. I think if someone can't keep their voice down they should be asked to leave, personally. But the hospital staff shouldn't have to babysit your guests. and I say this as a very loud person (but even I can control myself and use my indoor voice) My dad is also very loud and apparently doesn't have an indoor voice.... I am always telling him to quiet down, there is no need to yell, I am right beside him.

LOL people can't live without their cell phones? how did our species ever survive before cell phones were invented?

Do you know why most elderly people don't use cell phones.... because they know how to live without one. They managed to make it through life without a phone glued to their ear.... *GASP* how do they do it?

Again, If you MUST use your phone while in a hospital (if you aren't hooked up to machines :rolleyes: lol) go outside and then shut it off when you come back in the hospital. LOL I really don't understand why that is so hard to do lol

Trust me when I go into labour the last thing I want to listen to is my husband calling everyone. i will survive for a few minutes if he steps outside to make his calls.

Logan, see you have the common sense to shut your phone off... most people don't. it's like if you shut off your phone... you will just drop dead. if everyone were able to do that or could comprehend that kind of courtesy there would be no need for debate.

I just don't get the "but it makes life so easy" thing.... SO WHAT... life is tough.... you can go without a cell phone or step outside to use it. Life went on just fine before cell phones. SHUT IT OFF! you will live ;) yes it's convenient... but not nessecary at all times.... if it is not nessecary then you should use discretion on when and where you use it.

Now do you just have your cell phones cranked up while at work and just talk to your friends whenever you feel like it? probably not. WHY MUST you do it in a hospital.

[wombat2u2004]

LOL I really don't udnerstand why this is such a soft spot.... I mean... how did people manage to survive before cell phones were around? How did anyone get a hold of anyone?

Most often than not a hospital will contact your emergency contact if you are in the hospital. Other than that.... they can find a way to contact anyone that needs to know.

I just can't fathom WHY you MUST use a cell phone in a hospital. AND if you HAVE to call someone to tell them that someone is at the hospital... why can't you just step outside.

Wonderful... so SOME people put them on vibrate.... but too many people have the volume CRANKED up with some annoying tune blaring out of the phone... is that nessecary?

it is not hard to have respect for people around you. There is no need to be loud and boisterous... or to have your cell phone constantly ringing.... TURN IT OFF!!!!!!!!!! it's not too much to ask... I'm sure you won't stop breathing if you don't have it on lol It's not a life line... it's a bloody phone. people can wait to talk to you.

Yeah....I agree with you Sparksy.......I think the bloody things are annoying....like little alarm clocks going off all the time.
It's funny how people always try and shove their rights down everyones throat, by being so bloody rude to them.
Wombat

[Lady's Human]

Sparks, I disagree with you vehemently on this one.

Hospitals charge an arm and a leg for phone usage. If the cell phones don't interfere with their instruments, then I see no reason not to allow them.

Is there some discretion called for? Absolutely, but discretion is called for any time one is having a conversation in a public area, be it on a cell phone or in person.

[sparks19]

Yeah....I agree with you Sparksy.......I think the bloody things are annoying....like little alarm clocks going off all the time.
It's funny how people always try and shove their rights down everyones throat, by being so bloody rude to them.
Wombat


LOL I don't know about you.... but the sound I dread most is my alarm clock going off in the morning.... why would I want that sound non stop all day. HAHA

I mean don't get me wrong. i have a cell phone. It is ALWAYS on vibrate.... I don't think I even know what my ringers sound like because I just don't ever use one. I have it on when I am away from my husband because he is my transportation and we don't have a phone at work. If he calls, he leaves me a message letting me know he will be late or what have you. But mostly I have it because we don't have a phone at the store (right now) and if something happens during my pregnancy I need to get a hold of him... again I don't drive so he is my only transportation lol. other than that.... my phone sits on my dresser and is never used. I don't take it when we go out.... I don't take it anywhere other than when I am going to be alone. I don't NEEEEEED it so why would I want it one me all the time so everyone and their brother can call me to ask what my favourite colour is... LOL they can wait till I get home to find out.

OR they can email me... at least that is quiet ;)

[sparks19]

Sparks, I disagree with you vehemently on this one.

Hospitals charge an arm and a leg for phone usage. If the cell phones don't interfere with their instruments, then I see no reason not to allow them.

Is there some discretion called for? Absolutely, but discretion is called for any time one is having a conversation in a public area, be it on a cell phone or in person.


I wonder why.... perhaps because they don't want every tom dick and harry yaking at the top of their lungs and having everyone and their brother calling so there is non stop ringing going on ;)

[Lady's Human]

No, because they charge what the market will bear for phone usage.

With private and semi private rooms quiet phone conversations don't disturb others.

When you have 2 kids at home and Mom is taken to the hospital by ambulance you might understand.

[wombat2u2004]

LOL I don't know about you.... but the sound I dread most is my alarm clock going off in the morning.... why would I want that sound non stop all day. HAHA

I mean don't get me wrong. i have a cell phone. It is ALWAYS on vibrate.... I don't think I even know what my ringers sound like because I just don't ever use one. I have it on when I am away from my husband because he is my transportation and we don't have a phone at work. If he calls, he leaves me a message letting me know he will be late or what have you. But mostly I have it because we don't have a phone at the store (right now) and if something happens during my pregnancy I need to get a hold of him... again I don't drive so he is my only transportation lol. other than that.... my phone sits on my dresser and is never used. I don't take it when we go out.... I don't take it anywhere other than when I am going to be alone. I don't NEEEEEED it so why would I want it one me all the time so everyone and their brother can call me to ask what my favourite colour is... LOL they an wait till I get home to find out.

OR they can email me... at least that is quiet ;)

Hehehe....yep....thats right.
But I love the ones who have that phone glued to their ears even as they are walking along the street. One has to walk around them.....they are so far out of touch with who is in front of them that they'd walk over ya.
But yeah....I reckon we were just so much better off without those things.
Wombat

[sparks19]

No, because they charge what the market will bear for phone usage.

With private and semi private rooms quiet phone conversations don't disturb others.

When you have 2 kids at home and Mom is taken to the hospital by ambulance you might understand.




Well I did say that I have no problem with patient use of a phone when nessecary... but no one needs to be on the phone constantly. When you are in the hospital no one needs to have casual conversation on the phone. Is it hard on people to go without? Sure it might be... but it won't kill them. People lived without cell phones for a LONG time.... they aren't nessecary now. Use it in an emergency and if you are able... step outside to do so. I just don't get why that is so hard to do. Basically the cell phone thing in a hospital is it is NOT nessecary.... no one NEEDS to have their cell phone on all the time. Make your calls in private... turn off your phone. Simple. If you must, check your messages every so often... but then turn it back off.

Sure... it makes things "easy" but sometimes life is not meant to be easy. Somtimes you must live life the hard way.

[Lady's Human]

Take one 5am ambulance run.

Take 2 kids, one 2, one 5, and send them to a friends house for the day while dad runs around checking on Mom and getting various things done.

Go to the hospital, sit by wife's bedside for a few hours.

The few phone calls I got from crying children worried about mom disturbed no one, and saved everyone a lot of grief.

It's allowed, use discretion, and deal with it.

[sparks19]

Take one 5am ambulance run.

Take 2 kids, one 2, one 5, and send them to a friends house for the day while dad runs around checking on Mom and getting various things done.

Go to the hospital, sit by wife's bedside for a few hours.

The few phone calls I got from crying children worried about mom disturbed no one, and saved everyone a lot of grief.

It's allowed, use discretion, and deal with it.


It's wonderful if you use discretion.... but you are one of few.... again it is not NESSECARY. I think in a hospital they have every right to restrict cell phone use. If they must say it is because of machine interference so be it... but people managed to have relatives in hospital and survive without cell phones before... we can survive now. We have just become a society of such convenience that no one really cares about others around them anymore. You can site all kinds of reasons for why it is convenient... but until I hear an absolutely NESSECARY reason... i will never think it is appropriate to use cell phones inside a hospital. All the reasons I have heard are only because it is easy but technically all calls could be made outside of the hospital. It's not the easy way but it can be done.

Like I said.... 20 years ago you wouldn't find people on their cell phones in hospital... somehow they managed. So can everyone else. it's not easy... but life isn't easy.

it isn't allowed in all hospitals... only some. and all those people seem to be able to get by just fine without having a cell phone glued to them. So turn off your cell phone when in the hospital.

[Lady's Human]

So turn off your cell phone when in the hospital.

In situations like my prior post?

When Satan Skis.

[sparks19]

In situations like my prior post?

When Satan Skis.


make calls to the kids every hour. step outside and give them an update and reassure them. Come back in and turn off the cell phone.

I must ask my grandmother how she ever dealt with my grandfathers hospitalizations with 4 boys and no cell phones.

or how my mom dealt with her hospitalizations (being a single mom) or how she dealt with her mothers hospitalizations (she had liver cancer) with two kids and no cell phones.

It can be done and is not a nessecity.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Wow! For thousands of years babies were born without doctors and anesthesia.....but I don't know if you think life was meant to be that hard? And babies were born without ultrasound....I'll ask my mother how she managed to birth four babies without all these modern conveniences.....

Ask ANYONE in the healthcare field...your suggestion that people can visit you instead of talk on the phone is simply contrary to good health. People visiting bring and take germs with them.

If you have a problem with cell phones...don't use one. If you are expected ZERO conversation to be taking place around you in a hospital (or many other places for that matter....) you may be in for a surprise.

[Lady's Human]

Sparks, If you think panicked children can be dealt with that easily, do you have some surprises coming.

[wombat2u2004]

make calls to the kids every hour. step outside and give them an update and reassure them. Come back in and turn off the cell phone.

I must ask my grandmother how she ever dealt with my grandfathers hospitalizations with 4 boys and no cell phones.

or how my mom dealt with her hospitalizations (being a single mom) or how she dealt with her mothers hospitalizations (she had liver cancer) with two kids and no cell phones.

It can be done and is not a nessecity.

Hahahahaha....Sparksy....you're dealing here with people who can't imagine life without the microchips....hehehehehehe....soon they'll be eating them to...lol
Wom

[lizbud]

LOL I really don't udnerstand why this is such a soft spot.... I mean... how did people manage to survive before cell phones were around? How did anyone get a hold of anyone?

Well I don't understand why you have such a soft spot in favor of banning
cell phones from hospitals ? If you don't like them,fine, don't use them, but
I really doubt you can persuade the folks around you to return to the old days.


How did folks survive without them before? Don't know, but they don't have
to do it now. I believe hospitals have relaxed the strict rules agains their use
inside hospitals because they don't interfere with the sensative monitoring
equipment as they thought they would.

[Lady's Human]

How can people survive without cell phones?

We can, but choose not to.

I don't live tied to a cell phone, far from it. I hate the things, BUT.......

when it can make life easier for two traumatized kids, mom, dad AND the baby sitter, the complaint is what, exactly?

Visiting instead of calling? Oops, sorry, the relatives on both sides of the family live 5+ hours away. What made the move away from family easier?

Easy communications.

[sparks19]

Hahahahaha....Sparksy....you're dealing here with people who can't imagine life without the microchips....hehehehehehe....soon they'll be eating them to...lol
Wom


LOL soon we won't have to raise our own kids (we have already started since so many people think TV is a great way to keep your kids busy), drive our own cars, cook our own food, wash ourselves, etc etc.... we will just be big useless blobs of flesh.... with a microchip LOL they will be installed at birth. HAHAHAHA.

I can't imagine what would happen if suddenly the microchip disappeared. LOL people wouldn't know what to do with themselves. it reminds me of a simpsons episode.... Grandpa Simpson is a Walmart greeter and says that people are lost without a greeting... it then show's people repeatedly walking into the wall, a woman crying on the floor and a woman that just keeps jingling her change. I imagine it would look something like that. It would be like WE lost the microchip that keeps us going lol.

anyone remember the stamp? lol how about Pay phones... do they have those anymore?

I can't believe how reliant people are on a cell phone that they can't even turn them off inside a hospital that is full of sick and dying people. it's like asking them to remove their arm and half a leg. I'm amazed LOL. What would happen if they ended up in one of the hospitals that still don't allow cell phone use... would they request a transfer? LOL amazing.

I mean... I live over 8 hours from my family and 14 hours away from my husbands family. We talk once a week and we email sometimes. i call from my *gasp* home phone. I will not be calling them on my cell phone from the hospital. If they need updates my husband can step outside and make a call from his cell phone ... otherwise.... they will have to wait. if I am sick enough to be hospitalized chances are I am not up to phone chit chat.

[Edwina's Secretary]

What is your opinion?

I can't help but wonder why you ask for the opinion of others?

People have told you their opinion and when it helped them deal with a difficult situation.

You have told those who disagree with you that they are wrong.

So...since you already know the one right answer, why ask?

[sparks19]

I can't help but wonder why you ask for the opinion of others?


Because I like the opinions. LOL I am n ot allowed to debate the opinions? LOL the thread title says DEBATE... incase there was any confusion.


Oh and you forgot :rolleyes:

[Lady's Human]

Let's start with a basic of medical care.

Anything that makes the patient more comfortable physically and mentally assists in the patient's recovery.

Communication with family helps the patient be more comfortable.

Communication with the family helps the patient's family (and by extension the patient) be more comfortable.

There is no electronic reason to ban them.

If you don't like cell phones in hospitals, there's a simple solution. Find a hospital that bans them, and go there.

You'll probably even be able to get a private room at a decent rate, as I don't think they'll have many willing patrons.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Sure... it makes things "easy" but sometimes life is not meant to be easy. Somtimes you must live life the hard way.

LH...what makes you think comfort is the objective?

[Lady's Human]

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot. Life is supposed to be hard, so let's make all the hospital rooms into modern renditions of Torquemada's dungeon.


I was in Tx during a record cold snap. We had vehicles to work on, and my squad leader told me to go outside and work on one because "You're from New England, you're used to it."

I replied "Yeah, we're smart enough to stay the hell out of it if we have the chance"

Just because life CAN be hard doesn't mean you have to assist in the degree of difficulty.

[lizbud]

I can't help but wonder why you ask for the opinion of others?

People have told you their opinion and when it helped them deal with a difficult situation.

You have told those who disagree with you that they are wrong.

So...since you already know the one right answer, why ask?


I would blame this bothersome habit on her pregnancy, but it's probably not
that at all. Probably just one of those people who love to argue. ;)

[sparks19]

Let's start with a basic of medical care.

Anything that makes the patient more comfortable physically and mentally assists in the patient's recovery.

Communication with family helps the patient be more comfortable.

Communication with the family helps the patient's family (and by extension the patient) be more comfortable.

There is no electronic reason to ban them.

If you don't like cell phones in hospitals, there's a simple solution. Find a hospital that bans them, and go there.

You'll probably even be able to get a private room at a decent rate, as I don't think they'll have many willing patrons.


So if it was an emergency you would call around to find a hospital that allowed cell phone use?

If you ended up in a hospital that didn't allow cell phone use would you request a transfer.

The hospital I am going to is very small and personal. They dont allow cell phone use... as I said it is a very tiny hospital. it is a half hour away but they offer better personal care than the large hospitals. (at least the ones around here)

See my problem isn't really the people that are AWARE that people around them are sick and what not and they can keep their voice down and their ringers off.... but that is not the majority of people. If everyone had the common sense to turn the ringer off and talk very quietly on a cell phone in a hospital I might not be so objected to it's use in a hospital. BUT too many people seem to be lacking that whole common sense thing and don't understand that not everyone wants to hear their favourite song blaring out of their phone... or how drunk they got last night lol. Especially when they are ill enough to be in the hospital. And since I don't think the Dr's should have to babysit people who don't have common sense... cell phone use should be restricted to private rooms or a cell phone designated area at the very least.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I would blame this bothersome habit on her pregnancy, but it's probably not
that at all. Probably just one of those people who love to argue. ;)

It makes me think of the signature line someone has....."I'm not young enough to know everything!"

[Karen]

I carry a cell phone and rarely use it. However, if a loved one was taken to the hospital, and I was there with them, I'd rather have the option to go to a quiet spot and use the cell phone there to notify and family members, and or contact clergy.

Sparks19, maybe you and everyone in your family is healthy, count your blessings for that. Have you never had to promise an elderly relative, "Yes, Auntie, I will call X and Y and Z as soon as I get home, I promise"? That was in the days before cell phones. If I had been able to call them right that minute, she would have been less upset. Have you never dealt with being in a hospital room that doesn't have a phone assigned to it yet? How nice it would be to be able to call home using a cell phone instead.

[lizbud]

It makes me think of the signature line someone has....."I'm not young enough to know everything!"


There you go. Exactly. :D :D

[sparks19]

I would blame this bothersome habit on her pregnancy, but it's probably not
that at all. Probably just one of those people who love to argue. ;)

Well DUH... I am a red headed Canadian... and I am pregnant... You tell me ;)

However, this is the Dog house and is for debatable subjects.... or did that change and we are all shiny happy people holding hands ;)

Of course you two would NEVER be the center of a subject of debate ;) lol

Sorry if I hurt your feeling :o

[sparks19]

I carry a cell phone and rarely use it. However, if a loved one was taken to the hospital, and I was there with them, I'd rather have the option to go to a quiet spot and use the cell phone there to notify and family members, and or contact clergy.

Sparks19, maybe you and everyone in your family is healthy, count your blessings for that. Have you never had to promise an elderly relative, "Yes, Auntie, I will call X and Y and Z as soon as I get home, I promise"? That was in the days before cell phones. If I had been able to call them right that minute, she would have been less upset. Have you never dealt with being in a hospital room that doesn't have a phone assigned to it yet? How nice it would be to be able to call home using a cell phone instead.

Read my last post ;)

While my family is actually quite healthy I do have VERY elderly grandparents and one is on her way for a hip replacement at 86 years of age. My grandfather has had a few heart attacks... it is amazing he has lived to be almost 90... My grandmother died of liver cancer at 54.... my uncle has had multiple heart attacks.... my great grandmother had diabetes... but she also lived to be 89.

I have no problem with going to a quiet area to make your call.... and like I said.... I just don't think part of a Drs job is to babysit the people who can't use a cell phone respectfully so there should be a designated cell phone area to do so where you will not run the risk of disturbing anyone. I know I would feel terrible if I were to get a call on a cell phone that played "you are my sunshine" or something right in front of a mourning family.

[sparks19]

It makes me think of the signature line someone has....."I'm not young enough to know everything!"


I am personally partial to the signature "well excuse me for having enormous flaws that I don't work on"

AH Homer is classic.

[wombat2u2004]

Well DUH... I am a red headed Canadian... and I am pregnant... You tell me ;)

However, this is the Dog house and is for debatable subjects.... or did that change and we are all shiny happy people holding hands ;)

Of course you two would NEVER be the center of a subject of debate ;) lol

Sorry if I hurt your feeling :o

Hey hey....lol......you're a redhead....you have a reason to argue.
Wom

[Lady's Human]

Docs in a hospital don't babysit anyone but the patients they are helping.

There are many people on staff who have EXACTLY that job. Floor supervisors, orderlies, security....................


Both hospitals in this area allow cell phones inside. There are signs to "please turn off the ringer on your phone", but that's it.

I haven't seen any issues with cell phones in hospitals around here, despite spending entirely too much time in them in the last year.

[Karen]

You alternately make it sound like you want cell phones banned and you don't.

What you really want it for people to be responsible about using them, right?

I am always more in favor of people taking more personal responsibility, and less in favor of people trying to legislate against irresponsibility.

And what I meant is that you have never been the person responsible for an elderly relative, right? Not that I wish that on anyone, but I have been there, and done that.

[sparks19]

You alternately make it sound like you want cell phones banned and you don't.

What you really want it for people to be responsible about using them, right?

I am always more in favor of people taking more personal responsibility, and less in favor of people trying to legislate against irresponsibility.

And what I meant is that you have never been the person responsible for an elderly relative, right? Not that I wish that on anyone, but I have been there, and done that.


Well considering we are 9 hours away from any family.... It makes it kind of hard. Of course I always tell my momma that i will take care of her when she becomes elderly. and I will if she allows it lol.

But my feeling is that hospital staff aren't paid to follow cell phone users around to make sure they aren't being obnoxious with them (as we can all agree that many cell users are) so there should be some kind of regulation or they should not allow them in the hospital at all. I just don't see the need to risk disrupting people that are dealing with the same thing (or worse) surely you wouldn't want to be disturbed by them. Step outside... go to a designated cell phone area (if there were such a thing) and turn it off when you aren't using it or at the very least turn off the ringer. Like I said, I would feel terrible if my cell phone went off with a happy go lucky ringer while another family was sitting their torn apart.

I don't want cell phones banned entirely.... there ARE times when they are nessecary. But I just don't think whereever you feel like it in a hospital is appropriate.

LOL Wombat..... I would be disgracing everything Red heads stand for if I was complacent and agreeable :D LOL my husband always tells his friends that he doesn't dare mess with a redheaded Canadian chick... who is pregnant. LOL he makes it sound like I abuse him. I don't even raise my voice to him lol I just like to debate (or disagree, if you will)... it's fun lol

[Karen]

I think you are worrying needlessly. I have never seen that be an issue. And usually "when a family is being torn apart" they are in a private area, not a public one anyway, and frankly, probably wouldn't even hear the cheeriest of songs if it played next to their head.

[sparks19]

I think you are worrying needlessly. I have never seen that be an issue. And usually "when a family is being torn apart" they are in a private area, not a public one anyway, and frankly, probably wouldn't even hear the cheeriest of songs if it played next to their head.


I don't mean finding out someone didn't make it... I mean when they are in the waiting room waiting to find out what happened and why they are there. You know they are racked with worry... as would I be. Perhaps hospitals here are different... but where I am from... the waiting room is the waiting room and everyone gets stuck there waiting for news or waiting for one to get out of surgery. I certainly wouldn't want to be caught laughing during a phone call... I would feel like a schmuck.... BUT some people don't think that way and would laugh and giggle away without thinking that others around them might not appreciate the noise etc. So I think there should be a designated area for emergency cell phone use.... or a sign requesting that people that are waiting please go outside to answer a call from a friend that is calling to say hi. IMO.

[Karen]

I have never been in a hospital where everyone waits in the same area. I guess that is the advantage of living in a major metropolitan area, but Emergency is separate from Surgery is separate from Maternity, etc.

[sparks19]

I have never been in a hospital where everyone waits in the same area. I guess that is the advantage of living in a major metropolitan area, but Emergency is separate from Surgery is separate from Maternity, etc.


OH well in that sense YES there are different waiting rooms. Emergency is not the same as the waiting room for admitted patients but when I had to have my unfortunate surgery my friend was my driver (of course this was in and out in the same day) and she was in a general waiting room... not emergency but a general waiting room for admitted patients not just surgery. Maternity is also a different area. I think.

Now the hospital I will be delivering at... I dont know because it is apparently a very small hospital.... it is in a small town about a half hour away from here. so I don't know how many different waiting rooms they have but maternity is on a totally different floor as far as I know and the waiting room is on the same floor I think.

[Lady's Human]

Translation.....

You're getting annoyed/irritated/peeved about something you don't even know. :rolleyes:

[sparks19]

Translation.....

You're getting annoyed/irritated/peeved about something you don't even know. :rolleyes:

About something I don't even know? you mean about the hospital here?

And what is with the eye rolling all the time LOL is that the "in" thing. Someday you might have to use your cell phone in the hospital to tell everyone they have to unroll your eyes :D

didn't your momma ever tell ya "if you keep making that face it's gonna stick that way" :D

[Karen]

didn't your momma ever tell ya "if you keep making that face it's gonna stick that way" :D

I can answer that, as we shared a "momma." No, Ma never told us that, because she knew we'd know better. Faces don't "get stuck" except in cases of things like a stroke, and even then the face is just not able to do what it used to do.

[Lady's Human]

Let's just say that the :rolleyes: is the most polite way I can think of to express the utter frustration I feel when trying to explain something to someone who is either willfully ignorant or just genuinely hasn't acquired the experience to understand.

[joycenalex]

...When Satan Skis.
great line. may i use it?

[Lady's Human]

Why certainly!

[wombat2u2004]

Let's just say that the :rolleyes: is the most polite way I can think of to express the utter frustration I feel when trying to explain something to someone who is either willfully ignorant or just genuinely hasn't acquired the experience to understand.

Hahahaha.....that's a funny one.
From my experience here...Sparks is NEITHER "willfully ignorant or just genuinely hasn't acquired the experience to understand."
She has a very good point of view I feel...its ok for people to agree to disagree....isn't it ????
Wombat

[Lady's Human]

Genuinely hasn't acquired the experience--------she's young and hasn't had the joy of hospital visits with a spouse or young children yet

Willful ignorance----------she refuses to acknowledge valid points from people who have been in situations where cell phones were a godsend.

[Lady's Human]

Wombat, Disagreeing is fine.

It gets my hackles up, however, when people call for MORE regulation, when no one can enforce the regulations that are already in place.

Should people remain speechless in a hospital? After all, my joking conversation with the person next to me may offend someone else, and a one on one conversation is far easier to overhear than one end of a phone conversation.

[sparks19]

Hahahaha.....that's a funny one.
From my experience here...Sparks is NEITHER "willfully ignorant or just genuinely hasn't acquired the experience to understand."
She has a very good point of view I feel...its ok for people to agree to disagree....isn't it ????
Wombat


LOL well to be honest.... when they just start off rolling their eyes at me from the beginning of the thread... I just like to see the hackles raise more and more. the rolly eye thing is the "in" thing you know... all the cool kids are doin it. But you know I MUST see their valid points... even though I don't roll my eyes at them lol but that request is rarely returned lol and ALWAYS with rolly eyes hehehe. My view is... if you can't start out the debate without resorting to the roll eyes or sarcastic remarks (not nessecarily LH right away) then I shouldn't have to be the civil one either... it's not a fair request :D

hehe just teasin... I don't really care either way. But I believe that if they had actually read my posts they would see that I did concede to there being a time and place for the cell phone calls but that the hospital should not be responsible for babysitting the people who just MUST have their cell phone glued to them at all times at full volume. But apparently... that was not enough. I just don't get why people can't see that their loud cell phone ringers (that get more obnoxious each year with all the new special ring tones that you pay a fortune for) and their loud yakking and carrying on might not be appropriate in a hospital setting. If everyone were able to be curteous and be quiet... I might be more apt to agree with cell phone use in the hospital. But most cannot so I think there is a time and place for everything and you should at least try to find an area that isn't filled with people or patients to use your cell phone. I don't think that is an absurd request lol.

Karen, I remember my mom saying that to me one time and I purposely held the face I was making for a long time just to prove her wrong... it didn't stick... but boy was my face sore lol. What about the "if you don't sit back from the TV you will ruin your eye sight" I never believed that one and I have perfect eye sight... for now. but now both of my parents wear glasses so I know it's onlly a matter of time *bites nails anxiously* i wish we had a smiley for that lol a nailbiting smiley.

LH, people shouldn't remain speechless but they certainly should keep their talking to a dull roar. there is no need to be loud and obnoxious in a hospital. whisper.... and you can talk all you like. If you are talking loud enough that they can hear you down the hall... you should be asked to take your convo elsewhere. And apparently many people think you have to yell for the other person to hear you on a cell phone.

OHHHHHHH and those stupid walkie talkie phones. Now you don't even have to dial and hold the phone to your ear.... you can just press a button get a loud BEEP BEEP BEEP and get a loud voice projecting out of the speaker of the phone. Now I don't get those at all. There was a guy in the restaurant using one the other day LOL

[Pembroke_Corgi]

It gets my hackles up, however, when people call for MORE regulation, when no one can enforce the regulations that are already in place.

Wow, I thought Sparks and her husband thought more rules would lead to the soul-sucking government to turn us all into robots. Careful, banning cell phones in hospitals will ultimately turn us into government-controlled slaves! ;) It's a slippery slope.

Seriously...I worked in a hospital for quite a while, and I have never once seen a doctor or nurse need to tell a patient or family member or ANYONE, to turn off their cell phone. If a cell phone was the most annoying distraction in a hospital, wouldn't we all be lucky?

[Edwina's Secretary]

Wombat, Disagreeing is fine.

It gets my hackles up, however, when people call for MORE regulation, when no one can enforce the regulations that are already in place.

Should people remain speechless in a hospital? After all, my joking conversation with the person next to me may offend someone else, and a one on one conversation is far easier to overhear than one end of a phone conversation.

Good gosh...LH...here we are agreeing again! (I'll not use a smilie as those seem to disturb the more thin-skinned among us!)

I, too, am for more personal responsibility and LESS of the "Nanny State" of lots of rules and regulations. But some people like/need Big Brother/Big Sister telling them when they can speak and about what they can speak.

I was just at the gym and had this mental picture....The doc tells you granny is not doing well and you had better call the family. Do I have enough quarters for the pay phone? Do I have to run down to the first floor so I can go outside to use my cell phone (and hope my conversation won't bother the smokers out there!)

So, I hope there is a place where those who need lots of rules can go and a place for those of us who favor less!

[Lady's Human]

Scary thread......

ES, Liz, Pembroke Corgi and I all agreeing.

I think a guy with horns on his head and a long red tail just went skiing by again..... :eek:

[sparks19]

Wow, I thought Sparks and her husband thought more rules would lead to the soul-sucking government to turn us all into robots. Careful, banning cell phones in hospitals will ultimately turn us into government-controlled slaves! ;) It's a slippery slope.

Seriously...I worked in a hospital for quite a while, and I have never once seen a doctor or nurse need to tell a patient or family member or ANYONE, to turn off their cell phone. If a cell phone was the most annoying distraction in a hospital, wouldn't we all be lucky?


AH but you see.... it is actually the removal of a rule :D Besides... It shouldn't have to be a rule... it should just be respect for the patients and their families. just like at the movies.... you don't find it sad that they have to TELL people to turn off their ringers? LOL isn't that just common sense? I just don't get what happened to that these days. They don't tell you not to talk during a movie... most people just GET that and refrain from talking (I say most lol not all) but they have to actually tell people to turn off their ringers? lol but I always like to tell those people that if they would like to discuss the movie while it's on perhaps they should consider renting :D

it's like commercials that say "cars cannot actually drive on buildings" I'm amazed they have to say these things. people don't just know that? lol

it makes me giggle inside just a little :cool:

[Lady's Human]

How is banning cell phones in hospitals the removal of a rule?

[Karen]

When have you been to the movies last? I cannot remember a time when the trailers at the theater didn't include a "don"t add your own sound track" bit.

[sparks19]

When have you been to the movies last? I cannot remember a time when the trailers at the theater didn't include a "don"t add your own sound track" bit.

This weekend. Twice.

LOL it was actually a funny "commercial" a guy was begging his girl not to break up with him on his cell phone and a director comes into the picture (can't remember the directors name... it was like Sydney or something) and starts giving him direction on how to beg for his g/f back convincingly.... then the guy says to his g/f "um.... I gotta call you right back" and the director says "Oh I'm sorry is my directing interfering with your phone call"

LOL then it flashes up on the screen... we don't wreck your phone calls with our movies... please don't wreck our movies with your phone calls.

haha it was a funny commercial actually.

Hey and when did they start putting commercials at the beginning of movies lol not just previews but REAL commercials lol

LH, because cell phones were allowed to be on in hospitals because they once "thought" it interfered with the equipment.... that is how this thread started. LOL

[Lady's Human]

The Rule was a ban of cellphones due to possible interference with hospital electronics.

The REMOVAL of the rule would be allowing cell phones to be used. (As is currently the practice. As evidence of this being the removal of a rule rather than creating a new rule, they simply removed the signs at our local hospital which advised people to turn off their cell phones. No new signs were posted)

Banning cellphones again would be REINSTATEMENT of a rule, not removal.

[sparks19]

The Rule was a ban of cellphones due to possible interference with hospital electronics.

The REMOVAL of the rule would be allowing cell phones to be used. (As is currently the practice. As evidence of this being the removal of a rule rather than creating a new rule, they simply removed the signs at our local hospital which advised people to turn off their cell phones. No new signs were posted)

Banning cellphones again would be REINSTATEMENT of a rule, not removal.


*sigh*

What I meant was.... the rule shouldn't have been removed as it was... they should still have signs requesting people turn off their cell phones....at the very least their ringers and to have the courtesy to only use it when nessecary.

but again... this shouldn't have to be a rule. People should just have the courtesy to not have their ringers on or answer just any phone call from any Tom dick and harry. If you MUST use it for emergency FINE. but keep the ringer off and let unimportant calls go to voicemail. If you want to have a casual convo then you should go outside... it shouldn't have to be a rule you should just do it out of sheer respect for others around you in the hospital.

Now what if they find later that they were wrong and cell phones do cause some interference with the machines... although I've actually heard it is really the other way around.... apparently the machines do a number on the battery of the cell phones according to an EMT friend.

[Daisy and Delilah]

As far as I know(after working at a plant that built cellphone parts for 10 years), cellphones run on radio frequency. At least they did when I worked at that job. What hospital machines would they be affecting supposedly? Is this affecting equipment the same as in an airplane? Just curious.

If this is the case, and machines were being affected, why would they just be discovering it recently?

[Lady's Human]

The worry with cellphones in hospitals was twofold.

One, the signals from the older, higher power analog phones did cause disruption in sensitive computer circuits. This would cause interference with medical monitors, as most med monitors are specialized computers. As cell phones are now using much lower powered digital signals, this is no longer a concern.


Some hospitals use wireless systems, and there was minor concern about interference with the wireless systems in use. Completely different frequencies, not a problem.

Hence the lift of the ban.

[sparks19]

As far as I know(after working at a plant that built cellphone parts for 10 years), cellphones run on radio frequency. At least they did when I worked at that job. What hospital machines would they be affecting supposedly? Is this affecting equipment the same as in an airplane? Just curious.

If this is the case, and machines were being affected, why would they just be discovering it recently?


They aren't just discovering it recently.... I was just saying.

I don't know what machines specifically but it's some of the monitors or something like that that they thought for years cell phones interfered with... that was why you were supposed to shut your phone off in the hospital. it was thought that it interfered with some of their equipment. then just recently (at least here anyway) some hospitals decided it wasn't true... other hospitals still believe it is possible and still tell you to turn off your cell phone.

[sparks19]

The worry with cellphones in hospitals was twofold.

One, the signals from the older, higher power analog phones did cause disruption in sensitive computer circuits. This would cause interference with medical monitors, as most med monitors are specialized computers.

two, hospitals use wireless systems, and there was concern about interference with the wireless systems in use. (completely different frequencies, not a problem)


there you go D and D :D that should answer your question. i dont know what specific equipment they were worried about though

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thanks to both of you :)

I have a cell phone and I keep it turned off all the time unless I'm expecting a call from someone. I use it to call my family when I leave work. It comes in handy whenever I need to call someone while in the road. This is just my choice and may not be the choice of others.

I am quite often irritated by cell phone conversations if they're not showing respect for other people, when respect is called for. Working at a library, cellphones are not allowed but we have even become more lenient with those rules to accommodate the necessity of the phone calls. I think it's okay to use a cellphone, most anywhere, but respect is the key.

These days, convenience is our new way of life. No matter how much we object to alot of things, we might as well put up with them because they're not going anywhere. What the heck, I used to despise computers. Look at me now!! :rolleyes: On another note....what did we do before we got them?

sparks; I understand your point but I think it's just an issue of the proper use of the phone as opposed to banning them all together. Hospitals are very noisy and some of the most annoying places on earth, all by themselves(just ask Phred ;) ). I personally can't see why an occasional conversation on the phone would be noticed that much by anybody. If it becomes excessive, someone needs to say something about it if it's truly bothering them. JMHO :)

I almost forgot to throw in another observation of mine. Anytime I've been in the hospital, I hated it because it was lonely(hopefully this doesn't sound contradictory to what I've already said). Anyone who has been hospitalized probably knows what I mean. If I would have had a cell phone, I wouldn't have felt like I was trapped in a prison. Using the hospital phone just didn't appeal to me :)

[Catlady711]

While I realize I work at a VET hospital not a human hospital, and I'm having to assume that human hosptials run into at least some similar hassles that we did at work. I'm guessing that some of the no cell phone rules may have to do with doctors being able to discuss treatment etc. with the patients and cell phone conversations interfering.

The reason I say this is...

Until a few years ago our vet hospital allowed cell phones inside. We had the usual loud talkers, people who just HAD to answer that call from the kid at home wondering what was for dinner right when the dr. was discussing what to be expected during an upcoming major surgery, walki talki mode set on LOUD so you could clearly hear both ends of the conversation through closed doors, annoying and LOUD ring tones (all of which I might mention tend to frighten timid animals which puts us at higher risk of getting bit).

The FINAL straw was a few years ago. This actually happened! We had a client come in already talking on his cell phone. He sat down in the lobby with his large dog. Never said a word to us and would NOT answer us when we asked his name. We had to match up the dogs discription with the files to figure out who he even was, and check with the appointment book just to find out why he was there! He did respond by getting up when we called the dog's name.

So we put him in a room (not so much as a break in the cell phone convo), and we could hear him in there just yakking away. It wasn't an important call from the end we could hear. At some point while he was in there we heard him say 'bye' and it got quiet. Yay, the guy hung up finally! So much for our elation, nope, do you know what he did next? He dialed up someone else and started up the yaking on the cell phone again. Once more didn't appear to be an important discussion, more like social calls.

So when his turn came the dr. walked in the room, the guy on the phone didn't even look up to acknowledge the dr!! He wouldn't respond to any questions asking about the dog's health since his last visit. So the dr. just did his examination, all while the guy is yakking away. The dog appeared healthy and happy, was due for a vaccination as I recall, and we went ahead and did that and told the owner unless he had questions that he was done. The guy didn't even so much as NOD and walked to the check out with the dog, yaking on his cell phone the ENTIRE time!!

From what our receptionist said, the man talked the ENTIRE time he was checked out, still never responded to questions or acknowledged ANYONE. Just flopped his credit card on the counter, gathered his reciept and left with the dog, STILL yakking on the phone!!!

Later that day the boss put up signs all over the hospital saying NO CELL PHONES INSIDE THE BUILDING!

I'm guessing that if human dr's have had similar things happen, or had someone else in the room yakking on the cell phone while they are trying to discuss a serious medical condition to a patient, that they'd be a little 'down' on cell phones also.

It's not the phones themselves that are the problem, it's the people that use them, and HOW they use them.

[Daisy and Delilah]

CatLady--that guy would have driven me to grabbing the cellphone and whacking him over the head with it. That was a display of nothing but disrespect and complete abandonment of manners. Not to mention his lack of taking responsibility for his dog or his business at hand. Perhaps the doctor/staff should have walked over to him and explained that the phone had to go or he could take his business elsewhere.

The doctor did the right thing by hanging up the signs. Someone talking into a phone while they're doing business with me is rude and inexcusable. He is a good example of why the banning of cell phones is an issue in some places. He gives the phone usage a bad name for no good reason. It is a shame that a blatant display of bad judgement might take away something that may save the day for another person. :(

[Cinder & Smoke]

That guy would have driven me to grabbing the cellphone and
whacking him over the head with it.

Someone talking into a phone while they're doing business with me is rude and inexcusable. :(

And what do you do or say when ...

The Offending Cell-Yapper is none other than your Doctor!? :eek: :mad:

I swear I've got one Doc that has NEVER completed an Office Visit nor a Hospital Rounds Visit
without accepting at least one cell call! :eek:
And the receipt of that call often "requires" the initiation of a call to someone else! :mad:

HEY - Quack Person!
Pay attention to ME, please. ... You can jabber to your Cronies later!

:rolleyes:

[shais_mom]

What about patients gabbing on landline phones? Should those be taken out as well? Might disturb the patient in the next bed?

Last year I was in the emergency room...as a patient. There are many, many area codes in SoCal. They had a phone I could use to call my husband and tell him I was there...but the phone would not call his area code. Had I not had my cell phone to use there would not have been a way for me to talk to him. Same once I was admitted. Only way I could call him was on my cell.

You are assuming cell phone usage is only by visitors. What about patients?
I haven't read any of the rest of the replies but this is an EXCELLANT point. I WORK in a hospital and a couple weeks ago we had a patient on the (room)phone with a drunk friend of his yelling so loudly the lady down the hall asked if they could shut him up. Oh did I mention that this was in the middle of a blizzard so no one was going anywhere AND after 11pm??? Mind you patients are filling out PRESS GAINEY http://www.pressganey.com/ customer satisfaction surveys after every hospital visit and I'm sure that the employees will be the ones that get blistered over this when it was a patient b/c you can't tell them what to do. (we just had an old man (his name was listed in his survey) that said there were too many fat people employed at our facility) :eek: gggrr
A couple years ago when we didn't allow cell phones in our facility, I saw a lady walking down the hall talking about her new grandbaby just as loud as can be. I politely said "ma'am you can't use a cell phone in here" and she looked at me STRAIGHT in the eye and said "yea I know and I don't care" her daughters (adults) were MORTIFIED they said MOM GET OFF THE PHONE! she said "pfft what's she going to do shoot me?" I then found out that she was a previous employee of the hospital and KNEW better. I then decided I wasn't saying anything to anyone in hospitals about cell phones. Then we approved that it was ok to use them...
Along the same lines of disrupting sick people how about people that bring SCREAMING CHILDREN TO VISIT THEIR SICK RELATIVES? Last week there was a child that was squealing and screaming so loud in a patients room I heard her thru closed doors and down the hallway. The parents kept the child there for at least an hour or longer.... I would rather hear a little cell phone ring and someone talking on the phone than a child screaming bloody murder that resembles nails on a chalkboard.


But my feeling is that hospital staff aren't paid to follow cell phone users around to make sure they aren't being obnoxious with them (as we can all agree that many cell users are)
out of this ENTIRE thread this is the only thing you have said that I have even REMOTELY agreed with.
Debating is one thing. But the most important thing to remember (MYSELF INCLUDED very much so) is that not everyone THINKS the same way you do and this does not make them right or wrong. More times than not in the times I have seen you 'debate' with others you make it seem like yours is the only RIGHT opinion. Keep in mind that I was NOT on the debate team, ;) nor am I blaming your pregnancy one iota!!! I HATE politics for this reason and I stay out of the doghouse most of the time B/C of the 'debatable' topics..........

[shais_mom]

, and no pay phone to be found.


our local phone company came in one day and RIPPED out both of our PAY PHONES without telling anyone about it b/c they didn't have enough charges on it - probably b/c everyone uses their cell phones!! Made quite lovely LARGE BARREN holes in the walls!!!

And Pembroke_Corgi is right in larger facilities most nurses use a type of cell phone to communicate with each other.

In 2004 my grandma was dying in the hospital. If I wouldn't have had my cell phone I would have gone insane. I was on it on my way TO the hospital, while I was there (I didn't take it into the CCU where she was - ever) to tell my dad what I found out since he was recovering from surgery and unable to be there himself, and using it on the trip home. And yes that $150 phone bill bit me in the arse when it came - but I switched to the IN network and its been a GODsend.
and Jo
do you have bluetooth? Come June/July OH is one of the first states to pass not using your cell phone in the car without the hands free option. But you legal eagle mind probably KNEW that and could tell me a thing or 2 about it! ;)

[shais_mom]

Take one 5am ambulance run.

Take 2 kids, one 2, one 5, and send them to a friends house for the day while dad runs around checking on Mom and getting various things done.

Go to the hospital, sit by wife's bedside for a few hours.

The few phone calls I got from crying children worried about mom disturbed no one, and saved everyone a lot of grief.

It's allowed, use discretion, and deal with it.
hmmmm where I work the crying/screaming children would have been WITH you so I could KISS you for NOT bringing them!!! ;)


The hospital I am going to is very small and personal. They dont allow cell phone use... as I said it is a very tiny hospital. it is a half hour away but they offer better personal care than the large hospitals. (at least the ones around here)

I have a feeling that your very tiny hospital is still bigger than where I work we have less than 25 beds and we allow cell phones b/c we understood that people are going to use them anyway and if it brings comfort to some than so be it...... (and no I am but a peon in the food chain there so I did NOT have anything to do with the decision)

[sparks19]

CatLady--that guy would have driven me to grabbing the cellphone and whacking him over the head with it. That was a display of nothing but disrespect and complete abandonment of manners. Not to mention his lack of taking responsibility for his dog or his business at hand. Perhaps the doctor/staff should have walked over to him and explained that the phone had to go or he could take his business elsewhere.

The doctor did the right thing by hanging up the signs. Someone talking into a phone while they're doing business with me is rude and inexcusable. He is a good example of why the banning of cell phones is an issue in some places. He gives the phone usage a bad name for no good reason. It is a shame that a blatant display of bad judgement might take away something that may save the day for another person. :(


LOL since he wasn't paying attention... I would have charged him double :D hahahaha if he had called back (although I imagine it would be difficult for him to find time between his phone calls) and complained I would have told him it was a disturbance fee. LMAO

don't you wish you could say things like that to people at your work?

I have heard this complaint from many ladies that are nurses... they try to do something for a patient and they must sit there and wait on them to get off their cell phone. I said to one friend "don't you wish you could say 'well since this phone call is more important than your health... why don't you just come and interrupt me while I am helping anothe patient whenever it suits YOU and your chat time."

I have to say that at my work... lol my big ol' bead shop (shut up Wombat :D) most of our customers are pretty good about their cell phones. They don't answer them during a class.... customers in the store will usually either let the person go or politely say to me "excuse me for one moment" and step outside. they don't just yak it up in the store.... we dont' ask them not to... they just choose not to. Although most of the time it if probably because we are a loud and personable bunch at my store and are always yakking it up with all the customers so they probably just can't hear or if they are the customer we are talking to they will usually grab their phone and shut off the ringer and continue their convo with us. hahahaha.

[sparks19]

And what do you do or say when ...

The Offending Cell-Yapper is none other than your Doctor!? :eek: :mad:

I swear I've got one Doc that has NEVER completed an Office Visit nor a Hospital Rounds Visit
without accepting at least one cell call! :eek:
And the receipt of that call often "requires" the initiation of a call to someone else! :mad:

HEY - Quack Person!
Pay attention to ME, please. ... You can jabber to your Cronies later!

:rolleyes:

Cronies LOL I love that.

As you can probably tell... I am pretty vocal about my likes and dislikes I would probably tell him that I don't have all day and if he would like payment for this visit could he please answer my questions instead of his phone.

[ramanth]

our local phone company came in one day and RIPPED out both of our PAY PHONES without telling anyone about it b/c they didn't have enough charges on it - probably b/c everyone uses their cell phones!! Made quite lovely LARGE BARREN holes in the walls!!!

My parents were camping at a State Park last summer (one we've been too many time before) and walked up to the Ranger Station to use the pay phone and were surprised to find them gone. Lady working said the phone company just up and took them with no notice. So my parents bike down a mile to the local marina. THEIR phone was also gone.

So they biked back to the campground, got in the truck and drove for hours looking for a payphone. Finally found one (can't recall where...an old gas station I think) and called to let me know they got to the campground safely.

Days later when my dad blacked out from vertigo, mom had to drive miles away from the hospital to that same gas station just to let us know what had happened and how he was doing.

They now have a cell phone.

[sparks19]

My parents were camping at a State Park last summer (one we've been too many time before) and walked up to the Ranger Station to use the pay phone and were surprised to find them gone. Lady working said the phone company just up and took them with no notice. So my parents bike down a mile to the local marina. THEIR phone was also gone.

So they biked back to the campground, got in the truck and drove for hours looking for a payphone. Finally found one (can't recall where...an old gas station I think) and called to let me know they got to the campground safely.

Days later when my dad blacked out from vertigo, mom had to drive miles away from the hospital to that same gas station just to let us know what had happened and how he was doing.

They now have a cell phone.

Hey is it true that pay phones in the US will only allow you to talk for a few minutes before you have to add more money? I have heard that before....

Where I am from one quarter in the phone and you can talk forever if you wanted to.

As for cell phones in camp grounds.... I guess it depends on the cell phone and company but more often than not I can't get any signal on my cell phone outside of town until I get into another town. I used to ONLY have a cell phone and no home phone... but I got sick and tired of my phone dropping my calls everytime I wanted to talk to my mom for more than 5 minutes.

Not to mention they cost a fortune to use... especially to call Canada. lol

And the batteries.... ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH. You would think with all the "technology" they could get batteries that will charge and don't go dead after 5 minutes if you have had the phone longer than a year.... maybe it's a conspiracy to keep you buying the newest phones :D

[Daisy and Delilah]

And what do you do or say when ...

The Offending Cell-Yapper is none other than your Doctor!? :eek: :mad:

I swear I've got one Doc that has NEVER completed an Office Visit nor a Hospital Rounds Visit
without accepting at least one cell call! :eek:
And the receipt of that call often "requires" the initiation of a call to someone else! :mad:

HEY - Quack Person!
Pay attention to ME, please. ... You can jabber to your Cronies later!

:rolleyes:

That's just rude, crude, and unacceptable, Phred. But what can we do? After all, they make so much more money than we do, drive a better car than we do, and, their time is so much more valuable than ours is. Right?? :rolleyes:

sparks; This topic has certainly brought on a spirited discussion. I have learned alot from other people's perspectives. Maybe now I will be more tolerant of some cellphone users or.....maybe not ;)

[ramanth]

Hey is it true that pay phones in the US will only allow you to talk for a few minutes before you have to add more money? I have heard that before....

Where I am from one quarter in the phone and you can talk forever if you wanted to.

I think there is a time limit but honestly can't remember, but I do remember when pay phones were a dime, then they raised the rate to a quarter, then to 35 cents.

While at the mall recently, I noticed they still had two pay phones and it's 50 cents now! :eek: And I think there is a time limit.

My parents would use a calling card with the pay phones.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

That's interesting becuase over here they are thinking of doing the opposite.
Up to now mobiles have been banned in hospital because of the possible interference with equipment but nothing has been proven so they are thinking of relaxing the rules

[sparks19]

That's just rude, crude, and unacceptable, Phred. But what can we do? After all, they make so much more money than we do, drive a better car than we do, and, their time is so much more valuable than ours is. Right?? :rolleyes:

sparks; This topic has certainly brought on a spirited discussion. I have learned alot from other people's perspectives. Maybe now I will be more tolerant of some cellphone users or.....maybe not ;)

LOL you're funny :D

I have a feeling though that this particular Dr's care might have been less than stellar whether he was on the phone or not.... I mean if that is normal practice for him to be so rude.

:Eek: I was talking to a lady the other day about labour and she was saying that while she was in the final stages of labour she was screaming and making a bunch of noise lol and her mid wife told her to shut up.... :Eek: I think my foot would have "Accidently" slipped off the stirrup and kicked her LOL.

[Karen]

Last I knew it's 50 cents for a pay phone for the first three minutes, then you have to put more money in - I haven't had to use one in years, but that's always how they were here, no matter the "starting fee."

[Edwina's Secretary]

I don't like television. Rarely watch it. The shows all seem to be about Anna Nicole Smith or voting people off islands. Have you been in a waiting room or in a hospital and heard the drone of Bob Barker prattering on about some overpriced washing machine?? The other evening I was trying to eat my dinner in the restaurant/bar of the hotel I was staying in and there was the LOUD tv!

But I am not going to suggest banning tvs from bars or hospitals or waiting rooms -- just because they annoy me.

We share our space in this world with other people. And everyone does not enjoy the same thing. We need to deal with it.

[sparks19]

I don't like television. Rarely watch it. The shows all seem to be about Anna Nicole Smith or voting people off islands. Have you been in a waiting room or in a hospital and heard the drone of Bob Barker prattering on about some overpriced washing machine?? The other evening I was trying to eat my dinner in the restaurant/bar of the hotel I was staying in and there was the LOUD tv!

But I am not going to suggest banning tvs from bars or hospitals or waiting rooms -- just because they annoy me.

We share our space in this world with other people. And everyone does not enjoy the same thing. We need to deal with it.


The only TV's I have experienced in waiting rooms had the sound off and closed captioning on. So NO I can't say I have experienced that.

Even in bars the only time they have the sound up on the TV is for a sports game... and that's because it's a sports bar and that's what people are there to see LOL. Actually we have a REALLY neat place around here called Damon's Grill. At each table it has a little speaker and they have 4 big screens and you can choose which tv you want to listen to. Each table has their own private thing. It's cool.

[Cataholic]

Staci- I wasn't aware of that pending legistlation in OH. But, I am not very into the politics of things, so, no shock, really. I don't have a bluetooth, but, I do use an ear bud (or bug, as my friend calls it) religiously. In fact, I should own stock in the ear bud company that makes the one I like. Gus chews through the cord-All.The.Time. I would estimate I have replaced 10 of them in 18 months. You would think I would learn, eh? Nope. I forget, and within minutes, he has chewed through it.

What else was I going to comment on....hmmm....thinking, thinking....thinking.

Oh, that's right! Taking my screaming child someplace, medical or not. Sometimes, you just don't have a choice. Screaming children, like cell phones, loud, ignorant people, long lines...well, just one of life's many inconveniences.

[sparks19]

My husband got one of those bluetooth things from his work.... he FIANLLY got it working... but it was so quiet even with the volume all the way up. Maybe it's just because his hearing is bad but it was terrible... he couldn't hear anything with it... It has been int he box ever since :D lol

Anyone had any success with those things?

[Cinder & Smoke]

Our local phone company came in one day and RIPPED out both of our PAY PHONES
without telling anyone about it b/c they didn't have enough charges on it ...




... walked up to the Ranger Station to use the pay phone and were surprised to find them gone.
... to the local marina. THEIR phone was also gone.
... got in the truck and drove for hours looking for a payphone.
:eek:

Sadly, Pay Phones are a dying breed - soon to be come extinct. :(

Many years ago, Pay Phones were a source of considerable profit to the major
telephone companies - the ONLY folks who were allowed to "own" a pay phone
and connect it to the national phone network. No competition and no competing technologies.
Life was good - Pay Phones on every corner of most intersections - 5 or 10 cents a call.

Enter "deregulation" - the change that was going to revolutionize communications ...
It did ...
* 1-800 numbers became affordable and everyone got one.
* "Calling Cards" ate into the cash that used to pile up in Pay Phone hoppers.
* Any Tom, Dick, or Harriett could buy a Pay Phone - and Ma Bell HAD to let
. . the owner connect it to the network and "make some money".

Net results >>>
* NObody found many coins in their Pay Phones any more
* The Baby Bells spent tons of money servicing Pay Phones and providing network services
. . to all the "private pay phone owners" that were now getting a piece of the revenue pie.
* Vandalism of the remote phones increased - what little money fell into the hopper
. . was stolen, and the damage cost more than 3 years "revenue" to repair.
* Rates went up; phones became Really Scarce; the "dial tone" cost you an initial
. . 50 cents ... more due if you "connected"; NO "free" 1-800 calls - everybody "pays"!

And THAT resulted in ...
* The Bells and the Privates started pulling out phones left & right
* "Operator Service" has deteriorated - you can wait for 5-10 minutes to "talk" to a human!
** More & more CELL PHONES to kill what little business remains for the Old Antique Pay Phone! :(

Progress ... :rolleyes:

[Logan]

I think of hospital phones as I do pay phones and hotel phones. EXPENSIVE!!!
Can't even remember the last time I used a pay phone. :o

Ever pay for a bill at a hotel, after making a long distance call? :eek: This is money maker for the hotel. Good for them! I'm sure that the hospitals and pay phone companies have the same attitude. In my business, I have made a lot of hotel loans. And for a long time, there was a specific line item for income from the phones in the rooms, and it was pretty significant. I see it less frequently, now, and I'm sure it is because more and more people use their cell phones, which offer free long distance, rather than the alternative of making those long distance calls from the hotel phone.

Even now, at our home, we choose to use our cell phone for calling family, rather than our home phone. Although we have the capability to make long distance calls from our home phone, we don't. My daughter and I have unlimited calling from our cell phones to anywhere in the US. Why would we not use them? And if we, or any member of our family, were in the hospital, we would be so grateful to be able to do that. Good manners are a given, and some folks just don't have good manners, especially in regards to the use of their cell phones. Shame on them.

I'm thinking, at this point, that life must be pretty darned good for a thread on this particular topic to get so much attention! :p Maybe, if we have so much time, we need to go love on our pets or pay attention to our family!! LOL!!

[Cataholic]

Maybe, if we have so much time, we need to go love on our pets or pay attention to our family!! LOL!!


Uh, hello? Two hands! One for the cell phone, one to pet the feline. :)

[lizbud]

I'm thinking, at this point, that life must be pretty darned good for a thread on this particular topic to get so much attention! :p Maybe, if we have so much time, we need to go love on our pets or pay attention to our family!! LOL!!


Logan, if you didn't work outside the house & threaded beads all day,
you would need a distraction like this too. :D

[joycenalex]

Uh, hello? Two hands! One for the cell phone, one to pet the feline. :)
or one hand to hold the leash, second hand to pick up the dropping( yes that hand is recycled bad covered :p ), ear 'bug' to talk to my 73 yr old mom as we 'walk the dog, together'. she hasn't been able to walk with me and the dogs for years :(

[sparks19]

Logan, if you didn't work outside the house & threaded beads all day,
you would need a distraction like this too. :D


I actually do work outside the house thank you very much ;)

I don't run a bead shop out of my home. Beading is just a hobby. But there is an ACTUAL store :eek:

And hubby had hockey last night so it gets lonely at home all alone :D

[Muddy4paws]

I've always left my phone on in hosptials and doctors, I know a nurse who said its mainly the noise that will disturb people which is why they are asked to turn phones off. I think along as its on vibrate or silent and you dont make unessasary phone calls then there is nothing wrong with that.