Hospital cellphone rules a bitter pill to swallow

SHOULD the use of cellphones be allowed in hospitals?

I ask because a friend recently complained that her stay in a general ward in hospital was troubled by other patients using their cellphones. She said the noise nuisance by inconsiderate patients talking loudly and for a long duration denied her much-needed rest.

Yes, some patients can be irritating with their loud talking on a phone. Beeping, ringing, and singing ring tones can be a nuisance, and the tendency for patients to answer their phones in the middle of a consultation is annoying.

I recall that about 20 years