St. Charles-Madras joining ‘quiet campaign’

Starting June 10, St. Charles Madras will participate in the health system’s “quiet campaign” to encourage caregivers and visitors to allow patients time to rest in a quiet space.

As part of the campaign, visiting hours will change. Instead of set hours when visitors are asked to leave, the hospital will make an overhead announcement at 9 p.m. respectfully asking for quiet throughout the hospital so that loved ones can rest.

Studies have shown that the physiological aspects of the healing process are negatively impacted by noise. As noise levels increase, so can patients’ anxiety, leading to elevated heart rates and blood pressure.

St. Charles Madras is asking patients and visitors for their help in improving the quiet, healing atmosphere at the hospital. Patients are encouraged to tell caregivers if their conversations are too loud. In return, caregivers may limit visitors so patients can rest.

In an effort to reduce the flow of traffic into the facility to only those visitors who have a need to be on site, St. Charles Madras will begin auto locking at 9 p.m. the inside Emergency Department door that allows access into the hospital. The door will remain locked until 5:30 a.m.