STAYING ALIVE

WITH research suggesting a stint in hospital can age older patients by ten years, how can you cut the risks? This week: Raise the head of your hospital bed ASKING hospital staff to raise the head of your bed could help to prevent pneumonia — a risk for all patients, but particularly if you’ve had a procedure that’s disrupted normal breathing.

‘Changing the angle prevents gastric acid being brought up from the stomach and then inhaled by the lungs,’ explains Stephen Spiro, a professor of respiratory medicine at University College London Hospitals.

Gastric acid can harbour germs that could lead to pneumonia. ‘An elevated bed also helps a patient to cough up lung secretions from the stomach and oesophagus, helping to keep the lungs clear.’

Meanwhile, offering nurses chocolates can help to build a warm rapport and good relationship, says Dr Steven Mann, a consultant gastroenterologist at Barnet Hospital in London. ‘We are paid to look after you to the best of our ability — and we always will,’ he says.

‘But it’s a real morale boost when a patient shows their appreciation, too. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture.’