Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust introduces ‘Silent Night’ charter to help patients sleep

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has launched a new ‘Silent Night’ charter.

The initiative has been introduced following feedback from patient surveys, which detailed difficulties falling and staying asleep on wards.

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.”

Between 10pm and 7am, staff will keep noise to a minimum, dim lights, speak quietly to patients and colleagues and only carry out observations, such as blood pressure checks, if necessary.

They will close bins and cupboards slowly and softly, and answer phones and 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 and keep bedside lamps turned off.

Ear plugs and eye masks will be provided to help patients fall asleep.

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 levels are quiet, with an amber light for stages in between.

Giuseppe Labriola, PAHT’s 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 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.”