Vale of Leven Hospital's virtual walking route for patients

The Active Wards programme, designed to promote physical activity for patients, now includes walks around local landmarks like Balloch Park, Ben Lomond and Luss Pier.

Using FitBits or smartphones, patients can track their distance and maintain an active lifestyle while at the hospital.

Active Wards' aim is to get patients active, out of bed, and maintain a sense of independence.

Posters are now placed around the hospital to involve families.

Emma Wilson, advanced frailty practitioner, and Carly Johnstone, clinical specialist occupational therapist, have been ensuring that patients, visitors, and staff know that the programme 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."

Patients are assessed for their walking ability before participating in Active Wards.

Physical environments are also assessed.

Bedside "I can…" cards indicate the kind of activities patients can do, encouraging family or carers to suggest activities like walking.

Meanwhile, Distance Walked posters show local landmarks and the distance from the hospital.

If patients can remain active in hospital, it reduces the chance of deconditioning, so that when they are discharged they are in better health.

By staying mobile in the hospital, patients lower their risk of declining health, ensuring they are healthier upon discharge.

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, director of NHSGGC, 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.”