Brookings Health System to Launch Silent Hospitals Help Healing (SHHH) Pilot Program

Brookings Health System will launch the new Silent Hospitals Help Healing (SHHH) pilot program on Sept. 5 and is asking the public for their cooperation.

"The SHHH program centers on the principle that patients who are able to rest heal more quickly," said Medical-Surgical Nurse Manager Karen Weber. "In order to rest, patients need a quiet environment. As such, we are requesting staff and visitors alike to keep noise levels down throughout the day."

The program advocates staff to stay out of patient rooms unless absolutely necessary. In addition, a one-hour, daily quiet time will be implemented from 1 - 2 p.m.

During that hour, patients will be encouraged to nap and relax, and visitors will be requested to leave to allow patients to rest. Doors to patients' rooms will remain closed, blinds will be shut, and lights in patients' rooms and the corridors will be dimmed. Outside deliveries will be prohibited.

Patients and family members will be informed about the program and quiet time upon admission. In addition, signs will be posted in the corridors, reminding visitors and staff to keep noise levels down.

About Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.