You Still Have To Wait Longer But Now You're More Fashionable

No more hangin' out at the hospital
By SARAH GREEN

It's the end of an era for the open-back hospital gown.

Trillium Health Centre unveiled its new patient attire at its annual gala last night, featuring a new style of gowns, jackets and pants that make more than a fashion statement.

The clothing is tailored with front and back ties, Velcro closures, even wider legs that allow medical staff to care for patients without leaving them feeling overexposed.

"It's all about dignity," said Jo-Anne Oake-Vecchiato, Trillium's director of women's and children's health. "It's the age-old complaint -- those gowns leave you exposed and vulnerable in one of the more challenging times."

The idea for the new patient attire began several years ago at the women's health centre.

TEST CLOTHING

Patients having mammograms were offered jackets instead of gowns and the cover-ups came in two sizes. Skirts followed in shorter and longer lengths, to accommodate cultural needs.

"It went over really, really well," Oake-Vecchiato said. "This is something we should do hospital-wide."

Last night's gala raised $525,000 towards the $600,000 cost of new patient attire. A three-month pilot project will test the clothing in different areas -- from the emergency room to birthing suites.

While research hasn't looked specifically at patient attire, Oake-Vecchiato said there's some evidence that patients are more willing to come back for screening and other procedures if the experience is not anxiety-ridden.