Hospitals get elderly up and out of nightclothes to end 'pyjama paralysis'

Staff in hospitals across the UK have been getting the sick and elderly out of their pyjamas and beds during the day to stop them experiencing premature ageing.

NHS staff get patients out of bed and some even dance with them. Credit:Royal London Hospital

Research shows that for a patient aged over 80, a week in bed can lead to 10 years’ worth of muscle ageing - equating to 1.5 kg of muscle loss. Building this muscle strength back up can take twice as long as it does to deteriorate.

Different activities are now being embraced by NHS staff to get patients up and dressed, with some nurses even dancing with elderly patients in the wards after getting them out of bed, as pictured here at Royal London Hospital.

This move to #endpjparalysis, follows the success of the NHS's 70-Day challenge (17 April to 26 June) which aimed to get one million patients out of bed, dressed and mobile in hospitals in the UK and Ireland.

NHS poster informs patients and family members about the benefits of having daytime clothes. Credit: NHS

The 70-Day challenge led to a large decrease in bed sores and falls for many patients. Tied in with the NHS’ 70th anniversary, it also reduced the length of time a person stays in hospital by up to 1.5 days.

As part of campaign, staff at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group (which includes Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and hospitals in Oldham, Bury, Rochdale and North Manchester) have collectively helped 42,018 patients to be dressed, up and moving.

Staff spread the word to patients of the benefits of #EndPJparalysis, making it part of everyday activity - resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in pressure ulcers across the Alliance.

Lynette Cook, NHS activities co-ordinator at Wolstenholme Unit helped team to get elderly dressed and baking. Credit: Wolstenholme Unit

Lynette Cook, NHS activities co-ordinator at Wolstenholme Unit, part of the Bury and Rochdale care organisation, got elderly people dressed and baking, with the extra physiotherapy from kneading proving to strengthen patients’ hands and arms.

Commenting on the #endpjparalysis campaign and the need for staff to continue with it, England’s chief nursing officer Professor Jane Cummings, told The Sunday Telegraph: "For many people wearing pyjamas or night-clothes reinforces feeling unwell and can hinder a speedy recovery.

"We know that many people who are in hospital beds could be helped to get back on their feet sooner, which helps them to get back home to loved ones more quickly.”