Hospital patients will now be allowed to use mobile phones on wards after a relaxing of the rules.

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw is advising health trusts to let patients use mobiles as long as they do not interfere with equipment, privacy or cause a nuisance.

Existing Department of Health guidance stipulates that mobile phones should not be switched on or used in clinical areas, including wards, unless there are good reasons to do so.

The current rules are also aimed at preventing people taking "inappropriate" photos and videos with camera phones.

It is understood the new policy can be implemented immediately, but it is up to individual health trusts to decide how to proceed.

Mr Bradshaw said the policy change recognised the fact that mobile phones are commonplace and could also help provide comfort to patients.

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