A Sign of the Times – NHS Staff Urged to Keep Quiet to Help Patients Heal

SoundSign Noise Warning SignNurses’ unions are urging the NHS to install “Keep Quiet” signs and their members to wear soft soled shoes on hospital wards in a bid to help patients get a good night’s sleep.

Members of the Royal College of Nursing are also asking NHS Trusts to look at other measures such as installing slow-closing doors and bins and handing out earplugs for patients at night.

The advice is being issued after research showed patients deprived of sleep are at higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, constant pain, aggression and delayed wound healing.

Debbie Simmonds, from the RCN’s Suffolk branch said: “Sleep is a basic human need and fundamental to the basics of mental and physical health.”

“We know how important it is for patients to get a good night’s sleep, yet we know that hospitals are getting busier and the patients we are looking after are getting more poorly.”

“Clinical noise depriving you of sleep creates an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, delayed wound healing, aggressive behaviour and reduced pain control.”

Common sources of noise reported by patients regularly include staff conversation, patient alarms and pagers.

Local initiatives in some hospitals have already begun including the installation of the Cirrus Research noise activated “SoundSign”. The sales team at Cirrus have been taking enquiries from across the UK about the wall mounted signs which illuminate only when a pre-set noise level has been exceeded.

The SoundSign™ is highly visible and has been designed for use in environments such as hospitals or care homes where there is a need to clearly warn staff or visitors when a pre-set noise level is reached. This can be anything from 40dB(A) up to 114 dB(A).

When the ambient noise level exceeds the preset level, the SoundSign will illuminate, clearly showing the graphics and text.

Earlier this year, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals emailed all staff telling them to wear shoes with soft soles at night and to only talk behind closed doors. It followed a similar initiative at Western Sussex hospitals the previous year which had resulted in a drop in complaints about noise from patients.

James Tingay, Marketing Manager for Cirrus Research says: “The SoundSign is very effective and easy to install in a variety of environments, from hospitals or clinics to factories or production lines.”

“The SoundSign message that is illuminated can vary but for hospitals the most popular one is “SHHH! Quiet Zone” which is subtle but still gets the message across.”

Other benefits of the SoundSign Noise Warning Sign include:

  • Lights up when a preset noise level is exceeded
  • Quick & simple to install
  • Trigger level from 40dB(A) to 114dB(A) for use in any environment
  • High intensity white LED technology for high visual impact and a long operating life
  • Uses text and graphics to communicate specific noise level warnings
  • 4 standard designs to cover all applications
  • “Hearing Protection Must Be Worn” & “Warning! High Noise Levels” for noisy environments
  • “Caution! High Sound Levels” & SHHH! Quiet Zone” for low noise environments
  • Remote units to extend visible coverage
  • Available in different languages
  • Developed, designed & manufactured by Cirrus Research in the UK

Find out more about the SoundSign Noise Warning Sign or call us on 01723 891655.

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Jaymee-lee Tolliday

Marketing Executive at Cirrus Research plc

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