Businesses banning the use of cell phones is becoming a thing of the past - even hospitals in the area are now allowing the electronic devices.

St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield says they reversed their complete restriction on cell phones in the building after studies showed the devices no longer interfered with medical equipment.

But other factors also contributed to their revised cell phone policy.

"We have people come from a long way off sometimes, helicoptered in, and the cell phone can really be the best way for them to communicate and they did feel we were too restrictive,” said Rod Stoner of St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Stoner says cell phones will still be prohibited in certain areas of the hospital, including intensive care unites, operating suites and emergency rooms.