Forbes Hospital staff are taking part in the #endpjparalysis 90-day-challenge in September. (credit: rjah_nhs instagram)
Staff across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) are encouraging patients coming to the hospital to bring spare clothes, as part of the #EndPJParalysis 90 Day Challenge.
WNSWLHD project lead, Rachael Hallam said: “The international campaign focuses on the mental and physical benefits of patients wearing day clothes and keeping active during their stay in hospital.”
Our clothes influence our feelings, behaviour, and identity. “Wearing normal day clothes instead of pyjamas helps make patients feel more confident and independent,” Rachael said. By wearing their own clothes, patients are also encouraged to maintain a routine and be more social which in turn, keeps them active with a more positive mindset.
“It also makes it easier to keep active which reduces the risk of muscle weakness, falls and pressure sores. This is especially important for the elderly, one week in a hospital bed can lead to a loss of 1.5kg muscle and 10% loss of general fitness,” Rachael said.
Forbes Hospital will begin the challenge on Tuesday, 1 September and staff are participating in the challenge to get as many patients up, dressed and moving each morning as possible. “Patients can support the campaign and improve their health by bringing comfy day clothes to hospital or asking family, friends or carers to bring suitable clothes,” Rachael said.
The #EndPJParalysis initiative was created by Professor Brian Dolan, to encourage patients to get up, dressed and moving to reduce the risk of deconditioning while in hospital.