A new initiative began this week at Mudgee Hospital, a 90-day campaign called "End PJ Paralysis" which aims to increase health outcomes for patients throughout their hospital stay by getting them out of bed as soon as possible, dressed and moving.
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The initiative was created by UK professor Brian Dolan to reduce the risk of deconditioning and its effects such as demotivation and in older patients muscle loss. It has since been implemented in hospitals across the world, in Australia and now across the Western NSW Local Health District.
Members of the Mudgee Health Council view the "End PJ Paralysis" as a positive campaign and commend staff on undertaking this initiative. Which includes undertaking the required training to implement new practices on the ward.
As the aim of the campaign is to improve health and wellbeing across the community, next time you are a visitor to the hospital - or if you have a stay yourself - take notice of the information provided by staff and assist in "Ending PJ Paralysis".
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Staff across the Western NSW LHD at hospitals in Mudgee, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Parkes, Forbes and Cowra started the challenge on September 1. And they're encouraging patients coming to the hospital to bring spare clothes as part of the campaign.
Project lead Rachael Hallam said the international initiative was focusing on the mental and physical benefits of patients wearing day clothes and keeping active during hospital stays.
"Wearing normal day clothes instead of pyjamas helps makes patients feel more confident and independent. It also makes it easier to keep active which reduces the risk of muscle weakness, falls and pressure sores," she said.
"This is especially important for the elderly - for people over 80, one week in a hospital bed can lead to a loss of 1.5kg muscle and 10 per cent loss of fitness."
- To find out more about the #EndPJParalysis Challenge, visit endpjparalysis.org/