Ditch hospital PJs and get well quicker

THINK of a hospital ward and it often conjures up an image of patients propped up in bed in their night clothes.

But according to a British National Health Service campaign, encouraging people to get up and dress in their everyday clothes could help speed recovery – and free up beds.

Staff at several hospitals are urging patients to change out of their pyjamas and gowns as soon as they feel able to move around.

The idea is that by bringing them closer to their regular routine, patients will gain the confidence they need to return home. In addition, keeping them upright and walking is intended to reduce the loss of mobility from a lengthy hospital stay and reduce associated problems such as pressure sores, all of which delay recovery.

For elderly patients, 10 days of bed rest in hospital equates to 10 years of muscle ageing – which could make the difference in simple activities such as getting out of bed or using the toilet unaided.

Anne-Marie Riley, of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “PJ paralysis is a really simple idea, but it has a big benefit for patients. We know that if patients stay in their pyjamas or gowns for longer than they need to, they have a higher risk of infection, lose mobility and stay in hospital longer.” – Daily Mail