Rochdale Infirmary wins national award

Lynette Cook, activities co-ordinator on Wolstenholme Unit, helping a patient

The Wolstenholme Intermediate Care Unit at Rochdale Infirmary has won ‘Best Event’ in the national End PJ Paralysis Awards.

The nominatiom for the award following work encouraging patients to get up and moving by taking on activities such as baking, potting plants for the small garden, enjoying an ice lolly outside in the sun, and introducing a hydration station for patients to access refreshments.

Lynette Cook, activities co-ordinator on Wolstenholme Unit, said: “We are delighted to have won this award. I feel very honoured and proud that the fantastic work of the team has been recognised.

"We can see the benefits that helping patients to get up, washed, dressed and moving can bring and how it enriches their time whilst they are in our care.

"End PJ Paralysis is not just a campaign to us but a very important part of the care we provide on a daily basis.”

The End PJ Paralysis Awards followed the 70-Day End PJ Paralysis Challenge, which was set up by Prof Brian Dolan Honorary Professor of Leadership in Health Care at the University of Salford. The national patient safety initiative aimed to get one million patients out of bed, dressed and mobile across the UK and Ireland. The Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, which runs Rochdale Infirmary, supported 42,018 patients to get up, dressed and moving during the campaign which ran from the 17 April until 26 June 2018.

The Wolstenholme Unit has 24 beds in single rooms and provides intermediate care which is enhanced by nursing and therapy provision and supports people who are medically stable to return to their homes.

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Group brings together two Trusts, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. The Alliance operates five hospitals and community services, Salford Royal, The Royal Oldham, Fairfield General in Bury, Rochdale Infirmary, and North Manchester General.