News Release
Cell Phones Okayed
for Use at Trillium Health Centre
Mississauga, February
14, 2005 – Thanks to updated technology and recent research,
patients and visitors at Trillium Health Centre will be able
to use their cell phones and handheld wireless devices (i.e.
Blackberries) when they visit either one of the hospital’s
two sites, effective February 14th. The hospital is one of
the first in the province to change its longstanding protocol
that previously banned the use of these wireless communication
devices.
“This is a
wonderful opportunity to enhance the patient and family experience
at Trillium Health Centre,” notes Dr. Norman Hill, Trillium’s
acting chief of staff. “It will allow family members
to immediately connect with friends and family about a patient’s
condition or progress following surgery.”
The change in practice
also reflects the Health Centre’s appreciation for the
evolving needs of today’s society. Often those waiting
at the hospital for extended periods of time (i.e. while a
patient is in surgery) sometimes need to continue to conduct
business. Blackberries have become popular communications
devices in this regard owing to their ability to transmit
and receive telephone messages and e-mail.
Patients, family
members and visitors will now be able to safely use cell phones
and wireless handheld digital communication devices anywhere
inside each Health Centre site except in the following areas
at Trillium’s Mississauga Site: the Special Care Nursery,
the Birthing Suite, and within patient rooms in the Coronary
Care Unit (CCU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Cardiac Surgery
Intensive Care Unit (CSICU) and the Resuscitation Area of
the Emergency.
O’Connor.
“Many of our caregivers are excited by the Blackberry
technology which enables them to immediately receive and respond
to phone calls and e-mails.” Dr. O’Connor notes
the enhanced communication between caregivers should lead
to improved patient care through process improvement.
“Receiving
a page only tells me someone needs to get a hold of me as
soon as I’m free, and I have to find a phone to respond
to them. Using a Blackberry, I have the ability to immediately
respond to a telephone or e-mail message using the same technology.”
The new practice
at Trillium does not allow for the use of walkie-talkies and
two-way radios in the hospital. These devices can interfere
with medical equipment, so use is restricted to Security and
Facilities employees who adhere to strict guidelines for their
use.
Among the research
reviewed prior to making the protocol change was Health Canada’s
recent Electromagnetic Compatibility Research.
“We’re
delighted that enhanced technology and updated research demonstrates
that these devices can now be used within a hospital environment,
and pleased that Trillium Health Centre has taken the proactive
initiative to change a longstanding traditional practice,”
notes Dr. Hill.
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Contact: Lynn Woods
Public Relations
905-848-7133
Media Contacts
For all media enquiries, please call Public Relations at 905-848-7580 ext. 3832.
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