PATIENTS in Worcestershire are being urged to keep active as part of the national campaign to end ‘pyjama paralysis’.
The project asks patients to bring their own clothes to hospital so they can get out-and-about on their own.
Healthcare bosses are concerned that once patients are admitted to hospital they resign themselves to staying in bed for the duration of their stay.
Moving around is believed to improve recovery time and prevent negative affects on physical well-being.
Ending ‘pyjama paralysis’ is not about forcing ill people out of bed but preventing avoidable deterioration in their long-term health.
Staying in bed can increase the risk of falls from muscle weakness and reduced balance.
Disorientation, confusion, constipation and digestion issues are more common problems.
Jackie Edwards, Deputy Chief Nurse (Quality), wore her own PJs and visited patients to encourage them to get dressed in their own clothes.
She said: “It helps people retain their own identity when they are in hospital.
“Letting people know they don’t have to wear hospital gear and encouraging families not to take home their day clothes is the first steps in changing the culture.”
The campaign runs until June 26 and can be found using #EngPJparalysis on Twitter.
