Patients whilst in the hospital are restricted to using small electrical items which are powered either by batteries, or a low voltage plug adaptor, or an inline charging adaptor which has an output of less than 25 volts (the voltage is usually shown on the label attached to the adaptor casing).
If you are unsure about the suitability of an adaptor or the equipment you have brought in, then you should speak to a member of staff. It may be necessary for the member of staff to contact the on-site electrician for advice. In this case, the equipment is not to be used until it has been checked by the electrician. This could take up to 12 hours.
The equipment, its in-line adaptor and its associated mains lead and plug must be visually in good condition and be inspected for damage by the ward staff before being used on Trust premises.
Any damaged equipment, adaptors, plugs, mains leads or in-line adaptors will be immediately withdrawn from use and if necessary retained by staff until the item is replaced or repaired by the patient carer.
Items which patients may bring in and use on Hospital Premises
Any electrical appliance powered either by batteries, a low voltage plug adaptor, or an inline charging adaptor which has an output of less than 25V such as:
• Tablet computers
• Personal MP3/music/video/photo players (with earphones attached)
• Hand held televisions (with earphones attached)
• Small personal DVD players (with earphones attached)
• Personal CD players or radios (with earphones attached)
• Mobile phone chargers
• Patient connected electrical medical devices
• Laptop computers – only when placed on hard services – must NOT be used on bedding due to the potential to overheat
Items which patients must NOT bring onto Hospital premises
Any electrical appliance which runs on direct mains power (220-250 volt) such as:
• Portable televisions on direct mains power (eg. a standard TV set)
• Hi-Fi/Radio/CD/DVD players on direct mains power
• Hair dryers, hair tongs, hair straighteners, or similar
• Mains extension leads
• Any cooking appliances including kettles, toasters, or tea/coffee cup heating elements
• E cigarettes
• Mini drinks fridges
• Fan heaters
• Tabletop cooling fans
• Butane or gas powered devices (The above lists are not exhaustive)
Devices must not be charged in an oxygen rich environment
Electrical sockets are primarily for the use of medical equipment. Patients may only use an electrical socket when one becomes available which is not required for clinical use.
The Trust reserves the right to prevent the use of, or remove from use, any electrical item which contravenes this guidance and/or statutory regulations.
SWFT operates a smoke free site