As part of the Active Hospitals initiative, the Commonhealth Games took place from 6 July to 14 August across all clinical groups within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).

Over the six-week period, each Manchester Local Care Organisation (MLCO) Bed Base participated in a series of targeted physical activity challenges. These activities were facilitated by designated Active Champions across each unit, with assistance from the wider multidisciplinary team.

Special recognition goes to Clare, Therapeutic Activity Co-ordinator at Dermot Murphy, for her invaluable assistance to the MLCO Active Hospitals programme lead in developing, launching and facilitating the games.

Both staff and patients participated in a variety of initiatives, including:

• Sit-to-Stand Challenge: Patients were encouraged to complete a designated number of sit-to-stand movements daily.

• Unit Circuits: Mobile patients were encouraged to complete walks around designated unit circuits as frequently as possible.

• Move to Mealtime Challenge: Patients were supported in sitting out of bed for their daily meals.

• Freestyle Events: Special engagement activities were hosted, including a day trip for patients at Dermot Murphy and an animal-assisted therapy visit featuring alpacas at Buccleuch Lodge.

• Colleague Step Challenge: Staff members competed to record the highest step counts throughout their shifts.

The Commonhealth Games were a resounding success across MLCO.