Hospitals Work on Turning Down the Volume
The 3-hospital Montefiore Medical Center has taken measures to reduce noise levels, according to Margaret Amato, its clinical director of nursing. A pill banger whose sound used to echo across corridors has been replaced by a more discrete pill grinder. Instrument carts have been fitted with rubber wheels and personnel now wear soft-soled shoes. Posters have been plastered on the walls to remind everyone to refrain from being too noisy. Headsets are now provided for TVs and the ring volume of phones has been toned down.
Structural changes, deemed to have more impact, will also be part of forthcoming renovations. The choices in fabrics for floor tiles, walls and ceilings can significantly dampen sounds. High noise levels in hospitals has been a well known issue for a long time which affects patient comfort and satisfaction and can hurt their recovery because of stress and sleep deprivation.
Source: Associated Press.
May 22, 2006 Related topics: Facilities