Hospitals ban mobiles so that they can charge patients up to 75p a minute to use bedside phones.

Patients and their visitors are being banned from using mobile phones in hospitals so that health service authorities can profit from the use of expensive bedside phones. The health service authorities have signed deals with private telephone companies which can charge up to 75p per minute for incoming calls.

A leaked report by the Department of Health’s Patient Power review group admitted that there are no safety reasons why mobile phones cannot be used.

Hemel MP, Mike Penning, who uncovered the practice, said:

“To exclude people from using mobiles just so you can fleece them for more cash is immoral.

“I have never quite understood why private hospitals have been happy for patients to use mobiles, while the NHS has banned them.

“But it has now emerged that trusts have been encouraged to sign contracts with companies who are worried they will lose money if patients can use their own cheaper handsets.

“The whole thing is deeply suspicious and stinks. It has exposed the NHS as being about making money rather than giving patients choice.”

The Health Select Committee, of which Mike Penning is a member, are calling for a review of hidden charges by the NHS – examples include the bedside phones and entertainment systems and car parking.