Last Updated on April 17, 2018

Today marks the start of the End PJ Paralysis 70-day challenge aimed at getting hospital patients out of the pyjamas and into their clothes during the day. Care homes are also encouraged to participate.

The 70-day #EndPJparalysis Challenge is running across the UK and in Ireland from 17th April to 26th June 2018 to tie in with the 70th anniversary of the NHS on 5th July 2018.

​The campaign was originated by Professor Brian Dolan. The challenge says that having patients in their day clothes while in hospital, rather than in pyjamas or gowns, enhances dignity, autonomy and experience as well as, in many instances, shortening their length of stay.

For patients over the age of 80, the campaign says a week in bed can lead to 10 years of muscle ageing, 1.5kg of muscle loss, and may lead to increased dependency and demotivation. Mobilising has been shown to reduce falls, improve patient experience and reduce length of stay by up to 1.5 days. The aim of the End PJ Paralysis 70-day challenge is to achieve the ambitious target of a million days of patients up, dressed and moving while in hospital.

Care homes are also encouraged to take part and more information plus resources are available on the End PJ Paralysis 90-day challenge website.

​People can share their efforts on social media using #EndPJparalysis70 and #EndPJParalysis and the campaign has gained the support of patients and their family and carers.