The hospital recognises that communication with family and friends is important when someone is in hospital. In line with the principles of patient choice, use of mobile phones in hospital is allowed, as long as their use does not affect:

  • the safety of patients or other people
  • patients’ privacy and dignity
  • the operation of medical equipment

If you need to make a call or send a text, make sure you go to an area where you can use your phone. If you’re not sure, ask a member of staff first. You may be asked to keep your phone on the silent or vibrate setting.

You are not allowed to charge your mobile phone while in hospital unless your charger has been PAT tested.

Some maternity units may permit photos to be taken with a mobile phone, for example, parents with their newborn baby as long as no staff or other patients are in the photo. Taking of photographs (with camera phones or camera's)  is prohibited within the hospital unless prior authorisation of the communications team.

Loud ring tones and alarms on mobile phones can also be confused with alarms on medical equipment.

Photographs or the taking of video is prohibitted within the hospital

At Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, we prioritise the dignity and privacy of our patients, as well as the safety and comfort of our staff. With the widespread use of smartphones and other recording devices, it’s crucial that we set guidelines to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.

Our policy in simple terms:

1️. Ask First, Always

If you wish to record any part of your own or a loved one’s care, please ask for permission from the healthcare team involved first. Without their consent, recording of any kind is not allowed.

2. Respect Staff and Patient Privacy

Our staff are here to care for you, not to be recorded. They may decline being filmed, photographed, or recorded, and their decision must be respected. Additionally, no other patients or staff should be captured by accident in any recordings or photos – please be mindful of others in the background. You should avoid sharing photos, videos, or content that could compromise the privacy or dignity of others online.

3️. Purpose Matters

If recording is permitted, please let the staff know what the recording is for. This transparency helps protect the privacy and dignity of all involved.

What happens if these rules aren’t followed?

If we believe that someone is recording or photographing without permission, they will be asked to stop and may be requested to delete any unauthorised content. In cases where this request is ignored, individuals may be asked to leave, and security staff could be called to assist if necessary.

It may also be appropriate to report activity of this nature to the police in certain circumstances, for example if it suspected that images or videos of a voyeuristic nature  are being recorded or if the material posted is of a significantly offensive or threatening nature (as outlined in the Communications Act 2003).

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.