NOISE

When I first came across this article I recoiled in horror - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8387836.stm

In an ideal world we would all like hospitals to be quiet tranquil places, offering us a place of sanctuary when we are recovering from an illness. You should be able to have your privacy and dignity maintained and get rest as and when you require it. For those of us who have had the pleasure of staying in hospital, or for the few of us who work there, you know that this is not what happens in reality!

I am somewhat disgusted to know that there are people out there who are putting figures on what should be acceptable noise levels in places where this is just not achievable.

"patients should not be exposed to noise above 35 decibels or a loud whisper..."

So what you are trying to say is that of all the million and one things I need to do for my patients, I am going to struggle to do them if I am required to speak quieter than 35 decibels? I do hope that none of may patients are hard of hearing!

What about the patient with dementia who is wailing at the top of her voice as she hobbles down the corridor? Or the 'quiet top' bin lids which are no longer quiet which have failed to be repaired by the domestic staff? Not to mention the gaggle of student medics who are gathered at the nursing station gossiping.

It is not realistic. It is not achievable. It is not going to happen!