BOPDHB Checkup April 2018 | Page 6

E 3 Flow Eastbay.Everyone.Excellent. Supported by the Whakatāne based Service Improvement team, E 3 Flow is continuing to improve the way we work across the hospital to save staff time and our patients' time. A number of initiatives are underway involving staff across many teams. Whakatāne Hospital staff wearing their PJs raising awareness about the debilitating impact on patients of spending long periods in bed. Medical Ward Nurse Manager, Vivienne Robertson (standing centre right). Whakatāne Hospital staff in pyjamas say "Let's Get Moving" More than 30 Whakatāne Hospital staff wore their PJs to work one day last month, raising awareness about the debilitating impact on patients of spending long periods in bed. "Research shows just a few days in bed can reduce muscle strength and increase the risk of complications, particularly for our frail older patients,” said Medical Ward Nurse Manager Vivienne Robertson. “And that can lead to a longer stay in hospital." Based on the UK #endPJparalysis movement, the 'Let's Get Moving' campaign saw staff from Whakatāne Hospital's ED, Acute Care, Medical and Surgical wards as well as Allied Health and support staff wearing their PJs. 6 "Traditionally people think if they're in hospital they must stay in bed,” said Vivienne. “We need to shift that mindset and, as soon as possible, encourage our patients to get out of their pyjamas and up out of bed as part of supporting our patients to get well. "Wearing your PJs all day does seem to have an impact on how you feel. Staff wearing their PJs today commented that it's made them feel vulnerable, their dignity is compromised. So you can imagine how our sick patients feel. "PJs say you're unwell, clothes say you're getting better."