Active Hospitals

Staying active in hospital

A stay in hospital can make you feel weaker than normal and everyday tasks can feel challenging and tiring. Despite this, staying as active as possible whilst you recover from your illness or injury in hospital is very important.

Why?

Staying in bed for too long, not getting up and about and not trying to wash and dress yourself can mean that you struggle to get back to normal when you go home, and you can be at risk of developing further medical problems.

Download the patient Information leaflet on staying in hospital - Active hospitals patient information leaflet

Facts	Myths
Bed rest is not a good way to recover from many illnesses and injuries and may make your recovery time longer.	You should just stay in bed because you will get better if you rest
Every bit of physical activity can help keep you healthy and reduce your recovery time.	It is not safe for you to get out of bed
Staying in hospital is not like being at home and so you might need help or safety advice to keep active.	You are not supposed to wash or dress yourself in hospital

Ready, Dress, Go!

Ready: What can you normally do for yourself? Ask for help and information about staying as active as possible in hospital.

Dress: Ask your family or friends to bring in your own comfortable clothes and well fastened footwear. Try and dress yourself for the day as you normally would, ask for help if you need it.

Go!: Sit up for all meals, out of bed in your chair if possible is best. Walk around if you are able to, if you need help to stay steady or a walking aid (such as zimmer frame or stick) let us know. Continue to move or participate in gentle exercises (we can show you how).

National Re-Conditioning Games

Active Hospitals is a WHH programme to encourage our patients to move more and to be active, to prevent the serious risks of hospital associated deconditioning.

To embed this approach over winter WHH will be participating in the “National Reconditioning Games.” The challenge is on for wards to win medals in recognition of their commitment to adopting the Active Hospitals approach.

Staying active during your hospital stay

Your stay in hospital will be shorter if you try to keep to normal daily routines and activities.

If you’re able, do the following, they will aid with your recovery!

Bring in your own comfortable clothes and sturdy, well fastened footwear. Try and dress yourself for the day as you normally would, ask for help if you need it.
Sit up for all meals, out of bed in your chair if possible is best.
Participate in gentle exercises for strength and balance (we can show you how).
Take small steps often.
Get out of bed and move around during visiting time if you are able. We can show you how if you need help.
Friends and family can help you exercise if you've been given some to do.
Therapists will support and advise if you need specialist input.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Walk to the toilet if you are able to, if you need help to stay steady or a walking aid (such as zimmer frame or stick) let us know.
If you need help getting out of bed please ask a nurse to help - use your call bell.

Helping you to get well and home