It’s no secret that when it comes to healing, rest is an important piece of the puzzle – regardless of the injury or illness. It’s also no secret that getting rest in a hospital’s emergency department can be challenging. But, a new initiative at Peace Arch Hospital is hoped to change that for patients. Sleep-hygiene measures now in place at the White Rock facility include a peaceful hallway mural bearing messages in multiple languages that highlight the many benefits of sleep – including faster recovery
and and stronger immune function – to “reinforce the importance of creating a calm, more restorative space for patients to heal.” The project also provides patients with sleep kits that include noise-cancelling headphones and eye masks to help minimize noise and light distractions while resting, a news release continues. “Heated blankets and bed-position adjustments are offered to improve comfort, while medical staff support quiet hours between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. whenever possible to encourage uninterrupted sleep.” The measures were put in place after ER
physician Dr. Amir Behboudi proposed creating a quieter healing environment, in particular for patients who may end up spending time in the hallway due to high patient volumes and overcrowding. The project was supported by the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation through a Peace Arch Hospital & Fraser Health Community Grant. Foundation CEO Stephanie Beck, in thanking donors for helping make the project a reality, said it is already having a positive impact for patients that need care in the ER, “and we
know it will continue to help patients heal and get back home sooner.” For more information, visit pahfoundation.ca/sleep
Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, ER, sleep-hygiene, sleep kits, noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks, quiet hours, Dr. Amir Behboudi, Stephanie Beck, Community Health Foundation
So they put murals and eye masks in the hallway now? okay.
Honestly that sounds nice, like why are ERs so loud all the time anyway. If they can get people sleeping then maybe they’ll recover faster, but I’m still skeptical when it’s overcrowded.
Wait so if it’s a hallway mural in multiple languages, does that mean patients don’t have to wear masks anymore or something? Also noise-cancelling headphones in an ER sounds risky like what if they can’t hear staff calling them.
This is actually good, but I feel like the real problem is staffing. Like you can give heated blankets all day but if you’re gonna keep people waiting for hours in the hallway, ‘quiet hours’ won’t fix it. Still, the sleep kits might help a little, especially for kids and older folks.