Using your mobile phone in our hospitals
We know it’s important for you to keep in touch with your loved ones when you’re in hospital
We’re happy for you to use your phone but we ask that you stick to these simple rules for your safety and out of respect for your fellow patients.
Do:
- Take notice of signs and staff – mobile phones can interfere with vital medical equipment. If we ask you not to use your mobile phone in an area, please respect this.
- Ask – If you’re not sure if you can use your phone, just ask our staff
- Put it on silent – Please turn off your ringtone so that it doesn’t disturb others
- Keep it safe – Please keep it with you or ask staff to lock it away if this is not possible
- Keep your voice down – It’s easy to raise your voice on the phone. Please be mindful of others
Don’t:
- Use it overnight – To ensure you don’t disturb others, please don’t use your phone between 10pm and 7am
- Take pictures/ videos without consent – Doing so could be a criminal offence. If you’d like to record your consultation to aid your understanding, please let us know.
Connecting to WiFi within our hospitals
Free Wi-Fi is available across our hospitals and community sites – just search for NHS WiFi.
This will enable you to keep in touch with loved ones using message apps and video calling, browse the internet, look up health information and access your social media. However, you will not be able to stream video.
You can login using your Facebook account or via a text message to your mobile phone number.
We can’t provide you with technical support for this service, but there are some hints and tips that may help you overcome any issues in the FAQ section of this page.
FAQs
How do I connect?
Go into your WiFi settings and click on NHS Wi-Fi.
You’ll either be taken straight to the registration page, or you’ll be directed to it when you attempt to go to a website.
You can choose whether you’d rather log in using your Facebook profile or via a text message on your mobile phone. Once you’re logged in, you’ll stay logged in for three days. After three days, you’ll need to log in again.
What’s the signal like?
The Wi-Fi coverage extends to most areas of the Trust and is constantly reviewed and enhanced.
I’ve been admitted to a ward. Can I stream videos on my phone or device?
If you’re in a ward where you have access to the Hospedia bedside entertainment system, unfortunately you are unable to stream content on your own device due to contractual obligations with this service provider.
However, where there is no Hospedia service available (currently Wards 25 and 29 at Scunthorpe General Hospital) you will be able to log in to NHS WiFi-S, which will enable you to stream content from providers such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and YouTube on your own device.
Why are some sites blocked?
NHS WiFi uses a filtering system to ensure people aren’t accessing inappropriate content – such as pornography, violence, proxy services and gambling.
All use is logged and we reserve the right to block users who are found to be abusing the service. Any illegal activity will be subject to formal investigation and potential criminal proceedings.
How does login work and what data is held by the NHS Wi-Fi system?
Facebook account details are directly and securely verified to identify the user. If you are logging in a child, you will need to take responsibility for this.
Once your identity is verified, only your social media login name is stored – along with access logs, which are required for the purpose of anonymous statistical gathering and as an audit log in case of abuse (as outlined above).
These details are stored for 12 months and then automatically deleted.
The system is compliant with the NHS WI-FI Technical and Security Policies and Guidelines which applies across the NHS. No data is disseminated to Third Parties, except where required to by law.
Govroam
The Trust has signed up to Govroam, a wifi network that works across numerous public sector locations across the UK. It’s available to staff from other participating organisations.
Your device should connect automatically once you’re on site. If you experience any issues with the connection please contact your organisation’s IT service desk.
Further information is available via the Govroam website.
