Loma Linda University Medical Center Launches Effort to Reduce Noise, Encourage Healing for Patients

LOMA LINDA, Calif. — Loma Linda University Medical Center has launched a new initiative called “Quietly Healing,” which seeks to encourage faster healing for patients by reducing noise in the hospital.

The initiative was launched with posters placed throughout the hospital reminding medical staff and guests to reduce noise and maintain a quiet environment. Hospital officials also made the rounds of hospital units to answer questions from the medical staff about the initiative.

“Noise is inevitable in hospitals. There is overhead paging, doors banging, medical alarms sounding, squeaky carts and conversations. Studies show, however, that noise reduction is linked with increased healing and recovery and can decrease a patient’s length of stay,” Zareh Sarrafian, chief operating officer at Loma Linda University Medical Center said.

The American Journal of Nursing reports that noise negatively affects patients, as well as staff. Besides the posters and in-service sessions, the “Quietly Healing” initiative will also include making available a list of resources to help the hospital’s medical staff and guests to reduce noise to encourage patients’ healing.

About Loma Linda University Medical Center
Loma Linda University Medical Center’s comprehensive health system includes the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, LLUMC – East Campus, Behavioral Medicine Center, Heart and Surgical Hospital, and physician clinics. LLUMC is widely respected as a health care leader and is known for its pioneering and cutting-edge work in such areas as organ transplants, proton treatment for cancers, cardiac care, physical rehabilitation, acute pediatric and adult care, as well as treatments for chemical dependence and other behavioral disorders. LLUMC is the largest and only Level 1 trauma Center in the San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, and Mono counties, which covers over 40,000 square miles in Southern California. With a total of 974 beds, the Loma Linda University Health System includes the only children’s hospital in the region. Loma Linda University Medical Center sees over 30,000 inpatients and about 750,000 outpatient visits a year.