STAFF and families at Whiston and St Helens Hospitals are taking part in a national challenge to end ‘PJ paralysis’ by encouraging more patients to get up, dressed and moving.

The campaign aims to get patients up and out of their pyjamas as soon as they are able to in order to improve recovery and encourage a quicker return to their home

The two hospitals will be recording how many patients are dressed each day and how many patients are mobile across the 70 days with the aim to capture 1 million patient days nationwide across NHS England.

The campaign will run until August 27 taking in the NHS 70th anniversary celebrations on July 5.

The Trust is using this opportunity to remind the families of patients to bring in fresh clothes wherever possible to make it as easy as possible for staff to help get patients get dressed.

Studies show that -

•10 days of bed rest in hospital can lead to the equivalent of 10 years ageing in the muscles of people over 80

•Muscle strength can reduce by 2-5 percent in the first 24 hours and up to 10 percent in the first seven days.

•As much as 60 per cent of immobile older patients have no medical reason that requires complete bed rest

It is also believed that a 50 per cent increase in walking while in hospital can lead to a six per cent shorter length of stay.

Dr Mike Horner, consultant physician in elderly medicine, said: “We recognise how important it is for patients to feel comfortable and dignified whilst they are in hospital with us, which is why we have a real focus on helping patients to get dressed and be independent.

"We know that patients in hospital often spend a lot of time wearing pyjamas and that can make them feel uncomfortable and vulnerable.

"Getting a patient dressed and out of bed also helps their mental wellbeing, allows them to become active participants in their personal health journey and is proven to get them out of hospital sooner."

Sue Redfern, director of nursing, said: “We have a great track record of getting patients up and dressed in our hospitals.

"The campaign is a fantastic way of reminding staff, patients and their families of the benefits of getting dressed and moving and what we can all do to help.

"Support from families is hugely important and we are asking families to ensure they provide plenty of clothing and well-fitting footwear to help us get their loved one up and moving.”

For more information visit endpjparalysis.com