British Hospitals Introduce Muslim Gown

In this undated image released by the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a woman is seen wearing a head-to-toe gown for Muslim women. The burkha-style gown will be available from Nov. 1 for patients at two hospitals served by the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in northwestern England, officials said Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, HO) (AP)

LONDON -- Two hospitals in northwestern England will be offering head-to-toe gowns for Muslim women who request them, officials said Tuesday.

The burqa-style blue gown will be available from Nov. 1 for patients served by the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The trust operates two hospitals, the Royal Preston, and the Chorley and South Ribble.

"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," said Karen Jacob, linen services manager for the trust, who designed the product.

Jacob said the gown could be adapted to show a user's whole face, or to expose only a strip across the eyeline.

The hospitals are believed to be the first in Britain to offer the full-cover gown.

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On the Net:

Hospital trust, http://www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk