On 12 June, physiotherapists at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL) joined physios across the country to celebrate work out of work day by encouraging staff to get active during their working day.

An information stand at the main entrance of the Royal Free Hospital provided staff with information about the best ways to stay fit and active during the working day.

Staff were also encouraged to ditch the lift and take the stairs and those who were feeling brave enough were invited to have a go on the exercise bike in the main entrance.
A stairs competition called on staff to record the number of flights they climbed or descended, with a prize going to the ward with the highest score.

The winning ward was 8 East who climbed and descended 3082 stairs between 9am – midday, and the team was rewarded with a fruit basket for their efforts.
At Barnet Hospital, the IT team also swapped their mouse pads for exercise matts at a special fitness session in celebration of the day. 

Event organiser Francesca Roberts, a physiotherapist at the Royal Free Hospital, said: “The purpose of workout at work day is to show people that physical exercise can be worked into their normal day-to-day work lives and that you don't need to be a member of the gym to stay fit.

“Friday saw lots of staff members, including nurses, doctors, volunteers and therapists, ditch the lifts and take the stairs to their respective wards. It was lovely to see so many people embracing physical activity during working hours. The hard part now is to keep up the good work and keep promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

Image: The Royal Free Hospital's physiotherapy team celebrate national work out at work day

ENDS

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London.

For further information, visit www.royalfree.nhs.uk