Use of Handphones and Absence from Operating Theatre by Medical Professionals during Surgery

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will introduce rules on the conduct of medical professionals during surgery to prohibit the use of handphones; and (b) how are medical professionals from public hospitals held accountable if they are absent from the operating theatre when conducting surgery and an emergency arises.

The Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines of the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) guide medical professionals in providing medical care. In their clinical practice, medical professionals must regard the care of their patients as their primary concern. They should not engage in actions that, by commission or omission, jeopardise patient care or pose risks of harm to patients. This duty of care applies in all clinical settings, including in the operating theatre.

Medical professionals must not allow themselves to be distracted during their provision of care to their patients. If they are called away to attend to more urgent matters, for example, to attend to other critically-ill patients, they should arrange for clinical cover so that the quality of care provided is not compromised.

The use of handphones and other communication devices is, generally, not prohibited within the hospital. This is because medical professionals engage in team-based practice and need to communicate with one another to coordinate care for their patients. Medical professionals should use their handphones and other communication devices responsibly.

Medical professionals will be held accountable, if they are negligently absent from the operating theatre when on duty. First, they will be subject to the disciplinary process of the healthcare institution. They may also be subject to sanctions under the SMC disciplinary process if a formal complaint is lodged.