The Shape Up 4 Surgery campaign aims to encourage everyone needing surgery to get in shape, both physically and mentally, to ensure a smoother and faster recovery post operation.
Hospital data shows that smokers stay on average at least one day longer in hospital after surgery compared to ex-smokers, whilst patients who are underweight or overweight have poorer surgical outcomes and longer stays in hospital.
Staying active and increasing activity whilst waiting for surgery improves cardiovascular fitness, making your heart and lungs stronger, as well as improving muscle strength. This has been found to reduce length of stay in hospital, reduce post-operative chest infections and improve patients’ self-confidence and results in a faster recovery time.
With more than 50,000 elective surgeries each year, the campaign anchors around four key areas of a PLAN; Physical, Lifestyle, Awareness and Next Steps.
P … is for Physical – exercise & movement
L … is for Lifestyle – eating & wellbeing
A … is for Awareness – smoking & drinking
N … is for Next steps – start your surgical journey