'Cover-up' hospital gowns hailed (From Gazette Series)

'Cover-up' hospital gowns hailed

2:18pm Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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A new hospital gown which protects patients' "dignity and privacy" by keeping their bottoms covered is proving a success, it has been revealed.

Traditional robes which fasten at the back can expose the rear - so two Bristol hospitals are phasing them out in favour of the new "dignity gowns".

The more modest model, being introduced at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals, ties up at the sides and wraps around the body.

Feedback has been "extremely positive", according to North Bristol NHS Trust, the first in the South West to try out the costumes.

Carol de Halle, acting director of nursing, said: "Traditional hospital gowns have been the butt of many a joke over the years but anyone who has been in hospital and worn one of them knows just how embarrassing and undignified they can be.

"These new gowns are much better, and we are very much looking forward to rolling them out across our organisation.

"North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to improving our patients' privacy and dignity and the new gowns will make a big difference."