The QEII Comprehensive Care Committee have gone all-out for Standard 5 this month, with the launch of a three-day interactive stall bursting with games, prizes and engaging educational resources, ahead of the 25 September launch of QEII’s #endPJparalysis initiative.
Hosted at the Staff Dining Room from 3-5 September, the Stop PJ Paralysis event invited staff to play a game of Spin the Wheel and engage with informative resources, while sparking meaningful conversations on all things Standard 5. More than 150 staff went for a spin, had a chat and joined in the fun over the three sessions.
Sporting their best on-theme outfits and walkers, Physio Gina Holland and OT Sophie Freeman (pictured) were at the ready to share educational resources and engage with staff on all things from identifying safe footwear to falls prevention and delirium management.
Comprehensive Care Committee Organisational Lead and Operational Nurse Manager Lauren Beavan (pictured) says the event is an important awareness-raising exercise that highlights the role all staff can play to enhance care strategies for one of QEII’s most vulnerable patient groups.
“In comprehensive care, we are passionate about supporting our frail and 65+ patient cohort. Getting patients up, dressed and moving is not just about physical recovery; it's about restoring dignity, independence, and a sense of purpose to every step,” said Lauren.
“The sunflower tool used throughout our display represents the link between delirium, falls, pressure injuries, and the value of engaging with patients to support getting people home to their loved ones sooner. The sunflower badges were very popular with staff who wanted to demonstrate their support for the frail older person cohort.”
By focusing on daily routine and getting patients out of their PJs, Lauren says the campaign encourages staff to better engage with patients and ultimately improves their overall outcomes.
“900 steps a day is what it takes to prevent muscle deterioration. Getting our patients out of bed is very important to getting them up and moving and getting them into a daily routine. All of these steps help us prevent PJ paralysis. It’s about engaging with our patients and making them feel confident,” said Lauren.
But the fun doesn’t end there – staff are invited to join the Spring Fair for Comprehensive Care event on 25 September. Attendees will be treated to engaging stalls, games, a photobooth and much more, including a speech by Director of Nursing Neil Pratt, as well as an exclusive guest message all the way from England.
Shout-out to the Eat, Walk, Engage team who represented the overall #endPJparalysis goal and engaged with staff around the hospital, and congratulations to the whole team on a successful event!