Muslims can wear hospital 'inter-faith gown'

Muslim women booking into hospital for operations can now respect their religion by wearing a burka-style gown.

The 'Inter-Faith Gown' is the brainchild of Karen Jacob, the linen services manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

It is the first such gown to be introduced in the country and patients at Preston and Chorley hospitals will now have the opportunity to wear it if they wish.

Ms Jacob said: "I noticed a gap in the market and thought that it would be great if there was a gown that helped to preserve a patient's modesty."

The gown provides extra comfort and cover for patients undergoing medical procedures, and whose culture or religion requires them to be more modestly clothed.

Trials of the gown have already been carried out at Royal Preston Hospital and the response has been overwhelming.

It will be available from November 1 and will be manufactured by Interweave Textiles.

There has already been considerable interest in it from other NHS Trusts.

Ms Jacob and Interweave Textiles were brought together by TrusTECH – the NHS organisation that manages innovation for the North West NHS.