The hallways of hospitals can often be stressful and worrisome but a new initiative at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops hopes to raise spirits throughout the facility.
Interior Health spokesperson Michaela Swan and her sister Dara Johnson were inspired by an established program of ringing chimes following deliveries at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington.
The Kamloops sisters thought that this idea could bring people throughout the hospital together over the common and joyful experience of a child's birth.
Photo Credit: Royal Inland Hospital Foundation
While the public announcement system usually announces urgent distress calls such as a missing patient, the sound of a chime following the birth of a baby could bring a moment of relief in the midst of chaos.
Extensive consultation with nurses, families and other staff was conducted to ensure this idea would help everyone at the hospital.
The chimes begun on February 20th to resounding positive reviews and, in fact, reports that people who have been going through grief have ended up in tears.
Johnson, who is an RN in the birthing centre, suggested that some families have commented that the chime "almost feels like a deep breath."
Johnson and Swan truly believe patients, families, staff will be uplifted even just for a moment because of the sound of simple chime reminding them of new life.
Photo Credit: Interior Health (Photo from left to right): Michaela Swan, Dara Johnson, Amy Kamp with baby Talia and Corey Kamp.
