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Newark, NJ—An innovative new program at Newark
Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children’s Hospital
of New Jersey (CHNJ) is helping to reduce hospital noise for the
betterment of patients. The TOO LOUD program was launched on August
24, 2009, one of only a handful of noise reduction programs at
hospitals nationwide.
The TOO LOUD Program is specifically designed to address patients’ concerns
about quiet in the hospital at night, and patient satisfaction
scores in this area have improved by four percentage points since
the program was introduced four months ago. The effects of hospital
noise include lost sleep, higher blood pressure and lower overall
patient satisfaction.
The program provides a Noise Hotline for patients which can be
called to report disturbing noise. Signage in patient rooms alerts
them to the hotline. Calls are received by a special phone line
in the Security Department, and Security then contacts staff on
the unit to address the concern. Also, recorded broadcasts are
played on all the units at 10 pm to alert patients and staff that
cell phones and pagers should be turned on vibrate for the night.
This message is a reminder to staff members as well as patients
that nighttime is quiet time.
“Educating staff members about the importance of quiet at night has proven
to be one of the best ways to reduce noise,” reports John A. Brennan,
MD, Executive Director of NBIMC and CHNJ. “When a patient is recovering,
the constant intrusion of voices, cell phones and other disturbances can make
a good night’s sleep difficult. A rested body heals faster, and the staff
at The Beth is taking a proactive approach to creating a more peaceful nighttime
environment for our patients.”
Research has demonstrated that a quiet atmosphere at night aids
in healing. Studies have shown a relationship between excessive
noise and a slowing of the healing process. Sleep deprivation alters
immune function, including the activity of the body’s cells.
Noise also adds to rising stress levels in the body. According
to a 2004 study by Mayo Clinic staff, published in the American
Journal of Nursing, hospital noises during the night can
approach the levels of chain saws or jackhammers, making it nearly
impossible for patients to sleep.
For More Information
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a 673-bed regional care teaching
hospital, provides comprehensive health care to its local communities
and is a major referral and treatment center for the northern New
Jersey metropolitan area. With more than 800 physicians, 3,200
employees and 150 volunteers, the Medical Center has over 300,000
outpatient visits and 25,000 admissions annually. The main
phone number for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, located
at 201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace in Newark, is (973) 926-7000,
or visit www.barnabashealth.org. For physician referral information,
please call 1-888-724-7123. Follow us on Twitter: get real time
news from the Saint Barnabas Health Care System at www.twitter.com/barnabas_health.
Date: January 4, 2010
Contact: Beth Salamon
Public Relations
Phone: 973.322.4926
esalamon@barnabashealth.org
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