NHS FORTH VALLEY. Forth Valley Facilities. Estates Services Primary Care

Transcription

1 NHS FORTH VALLEY Forth Valley Facilities Estates Services Primary Care Protocol for Estates Staff Using Mobile Telephones when on NHS Forth Valley Business Approved 20/11/2003 Version 3.1 Date of First Issue 20/11/2003 Review Date 16/11/2012 Date of Issue 16/11/2009 EQIA Yes /No Author / Contact Conrad Binnie (Estates Services Manager) Group / Committee Final Approval Version: November 2009 Page 1 of 6

2 NHS Forth Valley Consultation and Change Record Contributing Authors: Conrad Binnie, Jamie Tripney, Henry Turnbull Consultation Process: Distribution: NHSFV Intranet Change Record Date Author Nature of Change Reference 19/11/08 Conrad Binnie Revised to comply with NHS Forth Valley Policy on Developing Guidelines V /06/09 Conrad Binnie Revised to comply with NHS Forth Valley Policy on Developing Guidelines V /11/09 Conrad Binnie Revised to comply with NHS Forth Valley Mobile Telephone Policy V3.2 Version: November 2009 Page 2 of 6

3 Contents Page 1. INTRODUCTION EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY 4/5 3. REVIEW OF PROTOCOL... 5 Version: November 2009 Page 3 of 6

4 1. INTRODUCTION The objective of this protocol is to ensure Estates staff use mobile telephones within The Road Traffic Act Amendment No. 4 issued 1 December 2003 and the NHS Forth Valley Mobile Telephone Policy issued 23 October 2009 whilst undertaking NHS Forth Valley business. 2. EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY From 1st December 2003, it is illegal to operate a hand held mobile telephone whilst driving. The following is an instruction regarding the operation of mobile telephones whilst on NHS Forth Valley business. a) Estates staff who are undertaking business travel on behalf of Forth Valley Facilities may operate a mobile telephone when driving only when it is sited in a cradle or similar device. b) Where a member of staff s vehicle does not have hands-free equipment installed, the telephone should be switched to voic to record incoming calls. c) If the telephone rings during a journey, the driver should return the call only once the vehicle is safely parked with the engine switched off. Being safely parked specifically does not include being halted in a traffic jam. d) The only allowable instance when calls may be made by a handheld mobile telephone is for calls to 999 (or 112) in genuine emergencies where it is unsafe or impractical to stop. e) Mobile telephones shall not be used in the following areas: ITU, CCU, HDU, audiology, neonatal or other areas where there are large amounts of patient equipment. In areas where the use of a telephone is considered disruptive to patients e.g. in a 6 bedded area. In areas where confidentiality may be threatened. On no occasion must the camera in telephones be utilised to photograph patients, visitors or staff. There are major issues surrounding consent, particularly involving children and vulnerable people. If staff suspect a camera phone has been used inappropriately they should contact their Head of Department. Version: November 2009 Page 4 of 6

5 There may be other occasions that you are requested not to use your mobile telephone. f) The camera in a mobile telephone may be used to photograph buildings, services, equipment, the scene of an incident or crime and work related materials etc. However, the image must not include any individual/s as there is/are major issues surrounding consent, particularly involving children and vulnerable people. g) Restrictions on Use: Mobile telephones provided by NHS Forth Valley are for use in connection with NHS duties, only in exceptional cases should they be used for private calls. h) Recovery of the cost of Private Calls and Texts: As stated above mobile telephones are provided for use in connection with NHS duties. It is however acknowledged that there will be occasions when using your NHS mobile telephone to make a private call is a sensible course of action. Staff should be aware that call spend is routinely monitored and all users with a call spend greater than per quarter will be forwarded a copy of their itemised telephone bill in order that they can identify any private calls to allow recovery action to be initiated. In the event of a dispute over payment the matter will be referred to the line manager who will be provided with a copy of the bill. 3. REVIEW OF PROTOCOL A review will be undertaken of this Protocol every three years or as often as developments render appropriate. Any amendments will be notified to the Risk Management Manager and Estates staff. Version: November 2009 Page 5 of 6

6 Version: November 2009 Page 6 of 6