Facility and operations planning for quiet hospital nurseries

This article discusses architectural design and construction and recommends criteria for achieving quiet nursery environments. Designs for new construction or facility renovation should incorporate vibration and noise control methods appropriate to the occupants and activities of the proposed space. Noise and vibration are environmental factors within a hospital nursery that can affect infant health and development, staff and parent communications, operational efficiencies, and the fatigue/comfort level of all occupants. Facility noise and vibration levels set a threshold that will be increased by operational noise. It is important, therefore, that hospital administrators, clinicians, and facility managers assure that architects, engineers, and builders use appropriate acoustical design criteria, methods, and materials to control noise and vibration.