THERE has been a role reversal at South Warwickshire Foundation Trust after staff swapped their uniforms for pyjamas to encourage patients out of bed.
Those working at Warwick, Stratford, Leamington and Shipston hospitals – which are all run by the trust – pulled on their nightwear to promote ‘End PJ Paralysis’. The initiative aims to get people out of bed, dressed and moving while in hospital.
It follows research which shows the time spent in bed reduces strength, mobility and independence which can result in longer hospital stays. Wearing pyjamas can also reinforce the feeling of being unwell.
Healthcare staff are recording the number of patients who use an app, and across the UK they are aiming to reach one million people over 70 days – the number of years the NHS has been running.
Trust medical director Charles Ashton said: “We’re glad to be one of the lead organisations involved in the End PJ Paralysis 70 Day Challenge because it’s a great, forward-thinking initiative which has shown to make a real difference to patients’ health and wellbeing.
“Although it is simple it is quite a significant change in mind-set so I’m really pleased to see so many of our staff and patients embracing it as part of our wider work to improve the outcomes for the people we care for.”
