Musgrove nurses and therapists swap uniform for PJs

Musgrove nurses and therapists swap uniform for PJs

Healthcare staff on Musgrove Park Hospital’s short stay reablement unit have swapped their uniforms for pyjamas.

It’s all part of the hospital’s ‘end PJ paralysis day’ which took place yesterday (Thursday 20 April) to highlight the benefits of patients getting dressed as soon as possible when they are in hospital.

Research shows that patients who stay in their pyjamas or gowns longer than they need to have a much higher risk of infection, as well as loss of mobility, fitness and strength. They also tend to stay in hospital longer.

Musgrove’s short stay reablement unit, or Exmoor ward as it is more commonly known, clinicians are supporting patients to get back to their normal routine as quickly as possible.

They are encouraging patients to get out of bed and get dressed to greatly improve their chance of a quicker recovery.

Exmoor ward is led by a team of therapists and nurses who have developed a programme of activities to help patients gain strength and independence before they are discharged from hospital.

Nine in ten patients who stay on the unit return to their usual place of residence & almost half of patients who had previously needed social care four times a day prior to admission to Exmoor ward have gone home to live fully independently following therapy with no onward care required.

Halley Kimber, sister on Exmoor ward, said: “We know that patients recover quicker in hospital if they get up and about so we wanted to do something a bit different to encourage them to do so. All staff on our ward, from nurses and therapists to domestics and admin staff, are wearing their pyjamas at work today. Our ‘end PJ paralysis’ initiative aims to show staff what it’s like when they have to wear pyjamas whilst in hospital, often feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable.”

Halley also added “We know that patients stuck in bed can lose up to five per cent of their muscle strength every day and can also develop skin breakdown, pressure sores, confusion and fatigue. Many patients also lose the ability to carry out routine daily functions like bathing, dressing, getting out of bed and walking, due to unnecessary bed rest.”

Musgrove nurses and therapists swap uniform for PJs
Pictured (back – left to right): Alice Gilling (nurse), Kate New (occupational therapist), Chloe Aylward (therapy assistant), Jerzy Sydor (ward assistant), Halley Kimber (ward sister), Tommaso Tassinari (nurse), Jess Yong (housekeeper), Alice Douglas and Emma Meade (therapy assistants), Mandy Stamp (receptionist). (front – left to right): Ariadna Cewa (healthcare assistant), Jesus Ramos (nurse), Joanna Jackson (physiotherapist), Rebecca Witt (nurse)
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