Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Carly Johnstone and Advanced Frailty Practitioner Emma Wilson taking Active Wards forward at the Vale of Leven
The Active Wards programme now has a virtual walking route for patients at the Vale of Leven Hospital to follow around local landmarks and places of interest.
The programme is designed to get people active, up, dressed and out of beds, and posters are now in prominent positions around the hospital so that families can get involved too and help their loved ones maintain a level of independence..
Now patients at the Vale can rack up the miles to local landmarks such as Balloch Park, Ben Lomond and Luss Pier, thereby engaging in physical activity while at the hospital.
Patients can then keep track of their distance using a FitBit or smartphone, and walk as much of the route that they feel able to.
Advanced Frailty Practitioner Emma Wilson and Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Carly Johnstone have been making sure that patients, visitors and staff know that Active Wards involves everybody.
Emma said: “The basic message of Active Wards is ‘Keep patients moving’ and it’s everybody’s responsibility to help make this happen.
““Keeping patients physically active is so important because it can help prevent a patient losing independence and help achieve rehabilitation goals for discharge.
“If patients can remain active in hospital, it reduces the chance of deconditioning, so that when they are discharged they are in better health
“We’re enabling families to know that they don’t have to just sit and look on. They can play an active role in rehabilitation.”
Patients are assessed as to their walking ability before they take part in Active Wards and physical environments are also assessed.
“I can….” cards at bedsides show what kind of activity patients can take part in, so that family or carers can suggest something, such as “Would you like to get up for a walk?”, as an activity.
Distance Walked posters show local landmarks and the distance from the hospital. Patients can then keep track of their distance using a Fitbit or smartphone, and walk as much of the route that they feel able to.
If patients can remain active in hospital, it reduces the chance of deconditioning, so that when they are discharged they are in better health.
Staff can access an Active Wards module through the board’s Learn Pro system and the programme is now across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s sites.
Melanie McColgan, NHSGGC Director, Clyde Sector, said: “The Active Wards programme is another example of the great work that goes on at the Vale, and across the board, to ensure that our patient are given the appropriate support and treatment while they are with us.
“Active Wards also equips patient and their families or carers with knowledge that they can use when out of hospital, so it has benefits that can make a positive impact on wider health issues.”
