The importance of patients keeping moving where they can was the message when we ran our ‘Rise and Shine’ week.
Promoted by our patient experience team and ward colleagues ‘Rise and Shine’ was about encouraging patients to get dressed, stay active, and move during their hospital stay to support recovery and independence. The awareness week involved staff, patients, families, and community partners to improve patient wellbeing and reduce hospital stay duration.
Staying dressed and active helps maintain mental and physical wellbeing, reduces risks associated with being bed-bound, and supports independence, especially for older patients or those at risk of deconditioning.
Families are encouraged to bring suitable clothing and motivate patients, while patients are advised to sit out of bed, dress independently, walk, and participate in gentle exercises such as chair based movements and walking around the ward.
Staff collaborated with both Life Leisure and Stockport County Community Trust to provide activity kit bags and ward-based activities. Both partners will support with training staff champions to support ongoing patient engagement in physical activity.
Patients responded enthusiastically to activities, expressing enjoyment and willingness to continue, while plans include continued ward visits, staff training, a Rise and Shine wardrobe, and collaboration with hospital radio station Radio Starlion for music-supported activities.
