Kingston Hospital is trying to get its patients up and moving in the wards, as part of the national “End PJ Paralysis” campaign.

The aim is to rack up a million “patient days” of people (who are able to be) being dressed and active rather than sitting in bed in their pyjamas between April 17 to June 26.

Sally Brittain, director of nursing and quality, said: “We are excited to mark the national ‘End PJ paralysis’ campaign here at Kingston Hospital and we hope to see more patients up and moving in their own clothes on our wards.

“Patients wearing their own clothes in hospital has been proven to enhance their dignity and retain their sense of identity.”

Staff are also trying to reduce the number of falls by their patients with measures including running physiotherapy classes on elderly wards, as part of their Falls Awareness and Prevention Week.

Ms Brittain said: “Helping patients mobilise also helps to reduce falls and boosts recovery, helping to get them home quicker. Our ward staff are really embracing the campaign, and we hope to see some very positive results.”