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Campaign to end ‘pyjama paralysis’ saves 700,000 hospital days

Initiative also reduced number of patient falls and pressure ulcers
End PJ Paralysis

A nurse-led campaign in the UK to get patients up, dressed and moving to boost their recovery has led to 700,000 fewer days spent in hospital for patients.


Picture: iStock

The #EndPJParalysis challenge, which began in April and ran for 70 days to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS, encouraged those caring for patients to get them out of bed and mobile.

It was launched by England's chief nursing officer Jane Cummings, and followed a successful local campaign, led by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust deputy chief nurse Ann-Marie Riley, which gained widespread coverage on social media.

Hundreds of hospitals and thousands of wards across the UK participated in the campaign, which helped more than 10,000 patients, particularly older people, to get up and dressed each day.

Professor Cummings has called on all staff caring for older people to adopt this as ‘gold standard’ practice across hospitals and care homes.

Positive results

NHS England said an evaluation of the campaign indicated that it reduced the number of patient falls and pressure ulcers, and had improved the patient experience, as well as shortening the length of time people spent in hospital. 

Professor Cummings said: ‘For many people, wearing pyjamas or night-clothes reinforces that they feel unwell and can hinder a speedy recovery.

‘We know that many people in hospital beds could be supported to get back on their feet sooner, which would help them to get back home more quickly. The campaign to end pyjama paralysis has shown what can be achieved when this gold standard is adopted.’


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