Supported by QEHKL Charity and recognised by NHS England as an exemplar program, the campaign will officially kick off on Monday, 30 September across all adult wards.
Let’s Get Moving focuses on addressing deconditioning – the loss of muscle strength and function that often occurs when patients are inactive during their hospital stay. This in turn leads to delayed discharges, increased risks of hospital acquired complications and leaves patients in a state of excessive dependency, unable to return home in time.
By raising awareness and encouraging simple, yet impactful practices, the campaign aims to reduce the risk of falls, improve recovery times, and promote a more active lifestyle for patients.
The campaign will also test a series of best practices aimed at reducing functional loss, not only for those in the hospital but also for individuals in care homes and the community.
Key Activities of the Campaign Include:
- Bay exercises and chair yoga to keep patients moving in place
- Promoting continence and encouraging healthy mobility
- Mobility discussions as part of patient care board rounds
- Nutrition and hydration projects to support recovery
- Involving family members, friends, carers, and volunteers as exercise buddies
On Monday (30 September), the campaign officially kicks off with a fun-packed launch event in the hospital’s main entrance. Patients and visitors will have the opportunity to speak with campaign leaders and external partners Active NoW and Active Norfolk to find out more about the initiative and how to get involved, and even see live demonstrations of patient exercises.
Local gym Just4You Fitness are also supplying three exercise bikes for staff and visitors to compete in a challenge to cycle the 400-mile route of East Anglia in just six hours.
Karon Strong, Head of Nursing for the Division of Medicine at The QEH and lead facilitator behind the Let’s Get Moving initiative, said: “I am so proud of all of our teams across the Trust who have got behind this important campaign.”
Codrin Buleu, Specialist Therapist at the Trust, shared, “With Let’s Get Moving, we’re making small but crucial changes that can greatly enhance the recovery experience for our patients. It’s not just about keeping them mobile while they’re in the hospital – it’s about encouraging lifelong healthy habits that they can take back into their communities.”
NHS England has acknowledged the program for its success in reducing patient falls and improving patient outcomes, and the hospital is committed to making further strides in this important work.
But the campaign doesn’t stop at benefiting patients. The QEH is also inviting staff to participate in friendly competitions and team challenges designed to improve their own health and wellbeing.
Launch Event invitation
The QEH would like to invite you to join the official launch event on Monday, 30 September, and find out more about this important campaign.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, 30 September
Time: 9am to 3pm
Location: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Main Entrance
The event will include remarks from hospital leadership, a live demonstration of patient exercises, and the opportunity to speak with external partners, staff, and campaign organisers.
Please RSVP to:
Charles Thomas
charles.thomas@qehkl.nhs.uk
01553 613216 / 07776 570416
We look forward to welcoming you as we take this exciting step toward better health and recovery outcomes for our patients. Don’t forget to bring your running shoes.
Ends.
Notes to editors;
If you would like to raise funds for good causes or help an appeal at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, please take a look at our website www.qehklcharity.co.uk. Alternatively, please email our Charity team at Charity@qehkl.nhs.uk or call 01553 613309.
For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216.
For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
QEH Media Hub 