The importance of a good night’s sleep for patients is at the heart of an initiative in hospitals across County Durham & Darlington.
The Invest in Rest Charter aims to ensure wards offer a restful environment at night, so patients can benefit from a good night’s sleep which can be an essential part of their recovery.
Associate director of nursing at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Jason Cram, said, “Clinical care continues regardless of the time of day or night, but we’ve taken some practical steps to minimise disturbances and interruptions during the night so our patients can rest. We want them to have the very best experience in our care – and that includes a good night’s sleep.
“Our Invest in Rest Charter, offers information, guidance and useful tips for patients, visitors and staff on the role they can each play. We’ve placed a copy of the charter above each patient’s bed to act as a reminder to all of us. We also give a copy to new patients when they’re admitted. After all, good sleep can help recovery, even reducing the length of hospital stays. We’re doing this across all our hospital sites.
“Corridor lights are dimmed from 8.30pm and lights in patient rooms are switched off at 10.00pm – though patients can continue to use the light above their bed after that if they wish to read, for instance. These lights can be set so they minimise the effect on other patients. We also offer ear plugs and eye masks for patients who want them.
“Most of our ward doors now have ‘soft close’ hinges so they don’t bang shut and as we replace waste bins, they also have ‘soft close’ lids. Ward teams are asked to keep their voices low and to remind doctors and other colleagues visiting patients during the night to do the same. At night, ward phones and bedside buzzers also have their volume settings lowered, so they can still be heard but with minimal disruption.”
Charge nurse, Lee Hardy, who manages a ward a Darlington Memorial Hospital, added; “These are simple steps but they’re making a huge difference to our patients. As well as creating a calm environment, we’re also helping patients to be as comfortable as possible, including having pain relief if they need it, going to the toilet before settling into bed, have enough blankets, for example. As a ward team, we’re also committed to doing all we can not to disturb our patients during the night, prioritising their need to sleep.”