Pioneering scheme at Lancaster hospital aims to keep patients fit and mobile

Royal Lancaster Infirmary staff are backing a groundbreaking scheme to encourage patients to stay as active as possible when in hospital.

The Active Ward initiative at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) - which runs the RLI - aims to help patients maintain their mobility, strength, confidence and independence.

The scheme is a key part of UHMBT’s Reducing Days Away from Home programme, and aims to change perceptions of what a hospital stay should look like.

Rather than spending prolonged periods in bed, patients are supported and encouraged to keep moving safely, where clinically appropriate, recognising that activity is a vital part of their treatment and recovery.

Working in partnership with the University of Cumbria, the team has also developed a new patient-focussed video to raise awareness of the risks of deconditioning and help patients and their families understand the benefits of staying mobile while in hospital.

For many patients, particularly those who are older or frail, even a short period of inactivity can affect balance and independence.

The Active Ward approach is designed to prevent unnecessary decline, helping people retain the abilities they already have and supporting a smoother return home.

The Active Ward programme is being led by Emily Henry, Quality and Safety Matron and Senior Research Leader for UHMBT, and Elizabeth Law, Inpatient Physiotherapy Team Manager and Advanced Physiotherapist for UHMBT, alongside nurses, therapists and clinical support workers (CSWs) from across the trust.

"This is a really exciting initiative that will have a hugely positive impact for our patients and their families," said Emily.

“When people come into hospital, their focus is understandably on recovering from illness or injury. What we also need to remember is that remaining active, where it is safe to do so, is an important part of that recovery. Something as simple as walking to the bathroom, sitting out in a chair or moving around the ward can make a real difference.

“Our aim is not only to support patients while they are in hospital, but to help them leave hospital with the same level of independence and confidence they had when they arrived. We want patients and families to understand that movement matters and that staying active can play a vital role in preventing deconditioning and supporting recovery.”

Clinical support workers Melissa Roberts and Pauline Kelly on Ward 35 at the RLI

The Active Ward initiative places CSWs at the heart of the programme as ‘Active Ward Leaders’, recognising the important role they play in encouraging and supporting daily activity.

“We recently brought nurses, AHPs (Allied Health Professionals) and CSWs together for a dedicated leadership development day, celebrating the vital role CSWs play at the heart of patient care and empowering them to become active leaders on our wards," said Emily.

"It was fantastic to see everyone sharing ideas and exploring leadership together."

UHMBT has also hosted training events with Professor Brian Dolan OBE, founder and director of Healthcare 360 and Honorary Professor of Leadership in Healthcare at the University of Salford.

Professor Dolan is best known as the originator of the ground-breaking global social movements End PJ Paralysis and Last 1000 Days.

These initiatives focus on valuing patients’ time as the most important thing in healthcare, encouraging mobility to prevent avoidable physical deconditioning while individuals are in hospital.

“The Active Ward is brilliant because it’s about creating a culture where activity is seen as part of everyone’s role and everyone’s recovery," said Elizabeth, who features in the video.

“We are empowering our staff, particularly our CSWs, to have those conversations with patients and encourage small, meaningful actions that can have a lasting impact.

“We know the evidence behind keeping people active is strong. What we are exploring through this pilot is how we make that approach part of our daily routines and ensure it becomes a sustainable way of working that benefits patients now and in the future.”

The Active Ward programme is currently being piloted on five wards across the trust, with plans for wider rollout following evaluation.

Members of the Active Ward team on Ward 37 at the RLI

Alongside staff training and quality improvement work, the new patient video, developed in partnership with the University of Cumbria under UHMBT’s Memorandum of Understanding, will be shown on screens across hospital sites, shared online and made available through ward-based resources and QR codes, ensuring patients and families can access advice and support throughout their hospital journey.

“We are developing information packs that the Active Ward Leaders can share with patients, families and staff members," said Elizabeth, who features in the video.

"We will also collect data about the culture shift, and hopefully get that written up in the future. Other Trusts are interested to see how the initiative progresses, so we will share our learning and achievements.

“Another great thing is that our 16-year-old T Level students, who will eventually become staff members, will also receive Active Ward training.”

The Royal Lancaster Infirmary

Emily said: “The project highlights the strength of our partnership with the University of Cumbria and the leadership demonstrated by nurses, therapists and CSWs across all three hospital sites in driving positive change for our patients.”

Anna Telfer, Chief Nursing Officer, UHMBT, said: “Our Active Ward initiative reflects our ambition to provide the very best experience and outcomes for our patients.

“People can lose physical strength and confidence during a hospital stay, particularly those who are older or frail. By creating a culture where activity is recognised as a vital part of recovery, we are helping patients stay independent and giving families reassurance that every aspect of care is focused on supporting a successful return home.

“I am incredibly proud of the compassion, leadership, innovation and collaboration that is driving this important work across Morecambe Bay.”

The Active Ward video for patients and families is on the UHMBT YouTube channel.