Publish date: 15 February 2023
Doctors and nurses worry that if patients stay in a hospital bed too long, it can lead to a higher risk of complications such as chest infections, blood clots and pressure sores, delaying precious recovery time.
With that in mind, Activity Co-ordinator Vicky Watson (pictured here), Ward Manager Michelle Pawsey and the rest of the Ward 44 team at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT got to work to create a space on the ward where patients can feel free to relax away from their hospital bed - a sort of piece of home away from home.
It's all part of the efforts to end ‘PJ paralysis’, a campaign which aims to help patients become active in their recovery, keep their independence and help improve mental wellbeing and dignity.
Vicky says the activity room is the result of a lot of hard work and donations from kind-hearted people and local businesses. She explains: “We are really proud of the space we have created and the response has been great. Our patients tell us they love it. They can relax, listen to music, read a book, have their hair and nails done or get involved in one of the many activities on offer. It’s proved so popular that we are hoping to expand it to other wards.”
#EndPJparalysis has become a global movement embraced by nurses, therapists and medical colleagues, aiming to value patients’ time and help more people to live the richest, fullest lives.
Trust Chief Executive, Karen James OBE, said: “Vicky, Michelle and the team on Ward 44 have created a wonderful space for the patients in their care. There is plenty of evidence that immobility in hospital leads to loss of functional ability, which can lead to an avoidable increase in a length of stay.”
“Encouraging patients to get dressed everyday rather than remaining in their pyjamas or hospital gown helps to boost recovery and makes the most of precious time so it can be better spent with loved ones.”
