NURSES will be assessed on how many of their patients are dressed by lunchtime.

It is part of a bid to end so-called "pyjama paralysis" - and tackle bed blocking delays. Hospital chiefs say that staying in hospital gowns or pyjamas all day can end up making people feel more unwell.

Great Western Hospital is taking part in a national scheme, #EndPJParalysis, that will see ward staff keeping a daily record of how many patients are up and dressed by midday.

They want to encourage people to leave hospital quicker - freeing up hospital beds for poorly patients.

Wendy Johnson, head of safeguarding adults at risk and mental health at the Marlborough Road hospital, said: "It's about helping patients to get fitter quicker so they can get home.

"Staff should be encouraging patients to move and asking themselves if there is anything that can be done to get them more mobile.

"It will not only help to prevent long hospital stays for older patients, but will also help them to avoid bed sores and reduce falls in the long term."

In January, the hospital opened a new pop-up ward in an old office space on the main pop-up site. With 10 beds, the Dorcan Unit was designed to tackle bed blocking delays in the hospital.

Jim O'Connell, GWH operations chief, said: "Everyone [on the ward] will get dressed in their own clothes every day."