Magnolia Regional Health Center Introduces "Quiet Program" for Hospital Campus
The Administrative Management Team of Magnolia Regional Health Center continually reviews MRHC’s patient satisfaction data and has found one of the top concerns of our customers to be the quietness in and around patient rooms. In an effort to address this issue we have reviewed several options to decrease the noise level on and around our campus.
According to Shelia Calvary, Chief Nursing Officer, the nursing units at MRHC will be implementing a new program promoting a quieter environment for our patients and addressing a widespread concern that hospitals are “too noisy.” The Quiet Program was implemented on December 1, 2008. The Corinth Police Department assisted MRHC with this program by purchasing signs and designating Alcorn Drive as a Hospital Quiet Zone. "We understand the need for the Quiet Program at the hospital and want to assist in honoring the program,” stated Corinth Chief of Police, David Lancaster. All vehicles using sirens are encouraged to silent sirens when possible as approaching Alcorn Drive. According to Alcorn County Sheriff Charles Rinehart, “The Sheriff’s office is committed to providing any support and assistance necessary to ensure the program’s success.”
Implementing the Quiet Program involves changing a culture for hospital staff. Noise levels are being measured before the program begins, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of efforts to reduce the noise level on the hospital campus. The education for this program involves lowering intercom volumes, reducing over-head paging, emphasizing use of the “whisper voice,” discouraging hallway conversations, switching cell phones and beepers to vibrate mode, and all equipment (from housekeeping carts to vital sign monitors) being inspection for noise. Hallway signs will be used to educate patients and visitors.
MRHC nursing units will implement a “Quiet Time” for one hour each day to allow time for our patients to rest and heal. Jessica Glidewell, RN, Nurse Manager, and Ginger Robinson, RN, Nurse Manager, volunteered for their nursing units to be the first to initiate this program. During this “Quiet Time” hallway lights will be dimmed and window shades will be drawn to promote a restful environment. Our patients and their families will be educated regarding “Quiet Time” upon admission. The education process will emphasize the benefit of rest and the healing process. Visitors will be discouraged during “Quiet Time,” in order for our patients to obtain their much needed rest. If possible, there will be no interruptions during this “Quiet Time” for medications or treatments.
In addition, MRHC plans to designate its Medical Intensive Care Unit and Surgical Intensive Care Unit waiting areas as “Quiet Zones.” Signs will be posted in each area to encourage a quiet hospital zone to be observed by staff, patients and visitors. TV volumes will be lowered and lights will be dimmed at 9:00 p.m. for visitors staying the night in the waiting areas.
The goal of this program is to provide quality healthcare for Corinth and Alcorn County, and demonstrate respect for patients and families by promoting a quiet environment…..One Patient At A Time.
For more information, contact Annie Rhoades
Marketing/PR Department, 662-293-7682 |
Magnolia Regional Health Center 611 Alcorn Drive, Corinth, MS 38834, (662) 293-1000
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