Ward staff at Stepping Hill Hospital are letting patients know that ‘Dressed is Best’.

Patients are being helped to get dressed and get moving, with the aim of speeding up their recovery and reducing the length of time people need to stay in hospital.

Traditionally, most inpatients at hospital have stayed in their hospital gown and pyjamas until they leave. This leads to inactivity. Evidence shows that if patients get up dressed and moving where practical and possible, this can aid their recovery.

While patients of all ages can benefit from being more active, it’s particularly important for older people. Those who get into their day clothes and keep moving as soon as they are able to, feel much better both mentally and physically. It can also prevent further health complications that come from being bed-bound for too long.

‘Dressed is Best’ is part of a national campaign known as ‘End PJ Paralysis’ to get more patients moving.

One patient who has benefited from the new approach is Susan Bennett, 87 from Heaton Moor. Susan came to hospital with palpitations and chest pains, and was encouraged to get dressed during her stay. Susan said “I think it’s a very good idea. It makes me feel more comfortable and respectable when people come to visit.”

Family and friends of patients are also being asked to support by ensuring their relative or friend has a change of clothes.