Teams swapped their uniforms for PJs and took to social media to pledge their support for a national campaign valuing patient’s time and well-being.  

The #endPJparalysis campaign, which has been sponsored by chief nursing officer for England Professor Jane Cummings, highlights the impact of patients being left in pyjamas or hospital gowns for any longer than necessary. 

While patients of all ages can benefit from being more active in hospital, it’s particularly important for older people. Recent studies have shown that 10 days in bed can lead to 10 years of muscle ageing in people over 80 years old. 

Following the successful launch of the #endPJparalysis initiative on the medical short stay unit team at Barnet Hospital and 10 North ward at the Royal Free Hospital last year, the teams have been integral in sharing their learning and methodologies with others. 

Deborah Sanders, Royal Free London group chief nursing officer said:  “At the Royal Free London, teams have adapted and personalised the campaign and learning from others to suit their patients' needs. 

“Not only is this great for patient care, but this grass-root led approach has brought the multidisciplinary ward teams – in particular the nurses, therapists, health care and nursing assistants and doctors – even closer together to help get patients up and moving when it is safe to do so. ”

Rosie Skyrpak, clinical lead occupational therapist and lead for the initiative at the Royal Free Hospital, said: “We want to bring about sustainable improvements for patients through the #endPJparalysis campaign and equip ward staff with the right training and confidence they need to engage patients in activities to help their recovery.

As part of the campaign, a 70-day challenge has been set to achieve one million patient days of suitable patients being up, dressed and mobilising. Nursing and therapy staff on participating wards will use a smartphone app to record how many patients are dressed and active in their day clothes and mobile at noon each day from 17 April to 26 June.

“The 70-day challenge is a great way to increase public awareness of the importance of the campaign and get staff excited and more involved,” said Rosie.

Teams will be carrying out various activities during the challenge ranging from educational staff sessions to interactive tea parties for patients to continue to drive awareness of the campaign among staff and patients.

You can follow the action on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.