Sligo University Hospital promotes the health benefits of physical activity through their Take the Stairs campaign

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is promoting the health benefits of physical activity with the launch of their ‘Take the Stairs’ campaign, coinciding with the start of the HSE Steps to Health Challenge. The initiative aims to encourage increased stair use across the hospital campus and emphasises the key messages from the National Physical Activity Guidelines - Every Move Counts.

The campaign includes ‘Take the Stairs’ feature walls in lift lobbies and informative infographics in the SUH Canteen, highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of stair climbing. The displays also provide tips for safe stair use and signposts to local walking routes and HSE Exercise resources.

Morna O'Hanlon, Health Promotion and Improvement Officer at SUH, said, ‘’Our Take the Stairs Campaign reinforces the message that any physical activity is better than none and that small changes like taking the stairs can positively impact both physical and mental health. Creating a supportive environment is key to promoting health behaviour change and we hope that highlighting the health benefits of physical activity as well as signposting to the Every Move Counts Guidelines, local walking routes and HSE Exercise resources will encourage more individuals to make every move count”  

Adding a personal perspective, Georgina Kilcoyne, Assistant Hospital Manager at SUH shared, “I’ve started taking the stairs whenever I can and I really notice the difference in my day-to-day energy. Even small bursts of activity give me more focus at work and help me feel healthier overall. It’s amazing how something so simple can have such a big impact.”

The infographics emphasise the Every Move Counts Guidelines and signpost to the newly launched HSE Get Active Programme, encouraging staff, patients and visitors to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines.

Rachel Wirtz, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at SUH, said, “Being active isn’t just for exercise enthusiasts it’s about creating habits that support long-term health. Every step counts, even small bouts of movement can improve mood, circulation and overall wellbeing.”

The campaign is a collaborative effort between the SUH Health Promotion Department, Physiotherapy Department and Hospital Management, supported by the SUH Healthy Ireland Implementation Group and funded by Healthy Ireland Health and Wellbeing funding.

For more tips and resources on physical activity, visit the HSE Exercise website: https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/exercise/