Getting a good night’s sleep is important for patient recovery and so in an effort to keep noise levels as low as possible on wards overnight (between 10pm and 7am) The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has today (14 October) launched its new silent night charter.
The charter has been introduced following feedback from patient experience surveys, which showed that patients often found it difficult falling asleep and staying asleep due to noisy and bright environments.
Being in hospital can be an anxious time for patients and their loved ones, and we know getting a good night’s sleep is important for recovery. The charter aims to encourage staff and patients to be mindful of noise levels and outlines the simple steps staff will ask patients to do; and what actions staff will take themselves.
Staff will keep noise to a minimum, dim lights, speak quietly when talking to patients and colleagues and only carry out observations, such as blood pressure checks, if necessary. They will also close bins/cupboards slowly and softly; and answer telephones/alarms as quickly as possible.
Patients will also be asked to keep noise to a minimum, turn off mobile phones and other devices such as tablets, keep bedside lamps turned off and to use ear plugs or eye masks (which will be provided) if that will assist them to sleep.
Additional support will be provided to patients who may feel agitated or confused, ensuring they are comforted and reassured as quickly as possible.
The hospital is also introducing SoundEar 2 into ward areas – an electronic device in the shape of an ear that flashes red when noise levels reach an unacceptable level, and remains green when noise levels are quiet, with an amber light for stages in between.
Shahid Sardar, associate director of patient engagement and experience, said: “We know that staying overnight in hospital can mean having disturbed sleep from noisy distractions, so in an effort to ensure noise levels are as low as possible to help patients rest, we have introduced our new sleep charter.”
Giuseppe Labriola, interim chief nurse, said: “We put our patients at the heart of all we do. The introduction of this new silent night charter, will help support both our staff and patients to keep noise levels as low as possible overnight. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for recovery and by introducing this, we are making every effort to ensure people can maintain their sleep pattern as much as possible.”