Headwaters opens hospital to cell phones, wireless devices

Patients and visitors can now use their cell phone or handheld wireless device (i.e. Blackberry or TREO) when they visit Headwaters Health Care Centre.

"Staying in touch with family and friends is important for our patients," said Bob Baynham, president and CEO of Headwaters Health Care Centre. "We are delighted we can enhance our patient and visitor experience by opening most areas of the hospital to cell phone and wireless device use."

Patients and visitors are able to use cell phones and wireless devices safely in the main lobbies, cafeteria, waiting areas, and patient rooms (except obstetrics patients) at both sites.

Cell phones and wireless devices will continue to be prohibited in the intensive care unit, dialysis unit, operating rooms, birthing suites and nursery in obstetrics, clinical areas of the emergency department the clinical areas of the diagnostic imaging department, and the laboratory (both sites), because of the type of medical equipment used in these departments.

Signage clearly indicates where a cell phone or wireless device cannot be used. Cell phones and wireless devices must be turned off before entering these clinical areas.