Southern DHB taking part in challenge to get patients up and moving
A 70 day challenge to support and encourage more patients to get up out of bed, dressed and moving as quickly as
possible, when safe to do so kicks off at Southern DHB tomorrow (Tuesday 17 April).
The challenge builds on the “Sit up, Get dressed, Keep moving” campaign launched by the DHB in August 2017.
The #EndPJParalysis 70 day challenge* which runs from 17 April to 26 June 2018, aims to avoid the negative impact of
being bed-bound while in hospital and to get patients back home to their loved ones as soon as possible.
Wards taking part in the #EndPJParalysis 70 day challenge will complete a chart each day showing how many patients are
out of bed, dressed and moving. The results will be displayed along with posters to educate staff and patients about the
importance of getting up and dressed – a vital step in ensuring patients do not spend any longer than clinically
necessary in hospital.
The challenge is aimed at supporting patients’ of all ages, but the benefits from being more active are particularly
important for older people.
Southern DHB Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jane Wilson is encouraging all staff caring for older patients to get
behind the challenge and help end PJ Paralysis. Jane says, “We need to encourage and reassure patients that it is O.K.
to wear clothes and walk around. A patients’ time is valuable, especially for our elderly patients - as figures show
nearly half of people aged over 85 die within one year of a hospital admission. Bed rest in hospital leads to muscle
wasting – this can cause serious harm including reduced mobility and loss of strength leading to a risk of falls.
“By getting up, dressed and moving, patients can be supported to speed up their recovery, maintain their normal
routines, and get home sooner. Home is often a patients’ first choice of where they want to be, and we want to do
everything to ensure our patients are able to go home as soon as possible.”
The #EndPJParalysis 70 day challenge will kick off tomorrow (Tuesday 17 April) with displays in the foyers of Dunedin
and Southland Hospital and with information in the hospital wards through posters and leaflets to educate staff,
patients and visitors.
Staff will also be signing a pledge to take part in the challenge, and these pledges will be displayed in the
participating wards.
The #EndPJParalysis 70 day challenge ties in with other initiatives to support older people to return home, and stay
well at home including the ‘Home as my First Choice’ campaign and the Live Stronger for Longer programme.
Picture attached: From left – Southern DHB Chief Medical Officer Nigel Millar, Executive Director Allied Health Lynda
McCutcheon, and Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jane Wilson sign a pledge in support of the #EndPJparalysis 70 day
challenge.
-ENDS-