Colleagues across Frimley Health’s hospitals swapped their uniforms for pyjamas this week to encourage patients out of bed and into their own clothes.

Staff at Frimley Park, Heatherwood and Wexham Park hospitals are supporting the national 70-day ‘End PJ paralysis’ campaign, launched by the chief nursing officer for England, Professor Jane Cummings.

Even the chief executive, Neil Dardis, donned fluffy slippers for the event.

For those patients who are able to, getting out of bed and getting dressed in their own clothes will help to boost their recovery.

Prof Cummings said: “For many wearing pyjamas reinforces feeling unwell and can prevent a speedy recovery. One of the most valuable resources is a patient’s time and getting people up and dressed is a vital step in ensuring that they do not spend any longer than is clinically necessary in hospital.”

Research suggests that 10 days of bed rest in hospital leads to the equivalent of 10 years muscle ageing in people over 80 years of age.

And there are other advantages for patients to get up and get dressed. It enhances their dignity, helps people to maintain their sense of identity, boosts mental health and wellbeing, encourages independence and makes the most of their precious time.

It also helps to reduce the risk of potential complications such as pressure sores and there’s good evidence that getting patients to move around more reduces the length of time they spend in hospital.

The ‘End PJ paralysis’ campaign runs from 17 April to 26 June. It aims for one million patient days with patients dressed in their own clothes and moving within the 70 day period.