The Stay Well in Hospital campaign is aimed at staff, patients and their families. It’s about working together to keep patients safe and well whilst they are in the care of the Trust. There are four elements to the campaign – Hydration, Mobility, Dressed is Best and Nutrition.
East Cheshire NHS Trust's 'Stay Well in Hospital campaign' aims to provide patients with a better care experience by ensuring they are discharged from hospital without unnecessary delay.
Prolonged stays in hospital are bad for patients, especially for those who are frail or elderly. Spending a long time in hospital can lead to an increased risk of falling, sleep deprivation, catching infections and sometimes mental and physical deconditioning.
It’s about working together to keep patients safe and well whilst they are in the care of the Trust. There are four elements to the campaign – Hydration, Mobility, Dressed is Best and Nutrition with further information on these avaliable below.
Hydration Matters
Dehydration affects our physical and mental health. It can affect our mood and feelings as well as our body. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, tiredness, dry mouth and headaches and it can result in urinary tract infections and confusion in some cases.
It’s recommended that people should drink around six-eight glasses of water or two litres per day for healthy adults but staying hydrated when in hospital can be a challenge for some patients.
- Try to have a drink at regular intervals throughout the day. If you cannot manage large amounts, try to have small sips throughout the day instead. Keep a drink close by to remind yourself to drink regularly and to keep track on how much you are managing.
- You could try using a straw in your glass or a sports bottle cap on your bottle of fluid.
- If you have difficulty preparing drinks for yourself, ask staff to leave drinks beside you or somewhere you can easily access them.
- Foods can contribute to your fluid intake also, such as ice lollies, soup, stews, yoghurts and jelly. Some fruits and vegetables, such as melon, tomatoes and cucumber, are also good sources of fluid.
- If you feel thirsty all the time it could be that you have a health condition such as diabetes. Please check with your doctor if you are concerned.
- If you have problems swallowing liquids or are coughing whilst eating or drinking please speak to your healthcare professional.
The posters below provide further information on the importance of keeping hydrated and avoiding dehydration.
Simple steps to stay active during your hospital stay
- Sit up for all meals. Out of bed in your chair if possible is best.
- Take small steps often.
- Friends and family can help you exercise if you've been given some to do.
- Walk to the toilet if you are able to, if you need help to stay steady or a walking aid (such as a 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.
Mobility Matters
Maintaining mobility in hospital is important for patients, as it helps to prevent deconditioning and falls.
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.
Being immobile can lead to additional health problems including hospital-acquired pneumonia, pressure ulcers, dehydration, DVTs and adverse effects on emotional and mental wellbeing. It can also increase your risk of blood clots.
To avoid venous thromboembolism (VTE), you'll be encouraged to move about the ward regularly. You'll be given as much assistance as you need to move about.
Dressed is Best
Nutrition Matters
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