The study that was conducted in surgical and urological wards of a Scottish hospital examined mobile phone usage by patients and microbial contamination of phone surfaces. For this, a total of 145 patients were surveyed on their opinions and use of mobile phones in hospitals. Afterwards, they provided their mobile phones for microbiological examination. 84.3 % of the mobile phones proved to be positive for microbial contamination. On 11.8 % of the devices bacteria that are known to trigger nosocomial infections were found. 6.9 % of the telephones and 31.4 % of the nasal swabs showed to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. The author’s recommendations include clear guidelines for the patients on how to use mobile phones in clinical settings including adequate decontamination and hand hygiene measures. In order to prevent transmission of bacteria patients should also be advised not to share their mobile phones with other patients.