---
title: A Modest Proposal
date: 2006-09-07T15:47:20-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/a-modest-proposal"
section: Blog (Archive)
---
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[From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# A Modest Proposal

By Christine Cupaiuolo • September 7, 2006

Please note: This entry -- originally posted at [Our Bodies, Our Blog](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog) -- has not been updated since the publication date listed above.

In the annals of fashion, the hospital gown -- if it is known for anything -- is known for its unintentional immodesty. Many a comedic moment -- in film, TV and real life -- has occurred when a patient has turned around and we see her or his backside exposed.  
  
So there is a little bit of unintentional irony behind [this BBC story](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/5315306.stm) about the creation of a burqua-style gown that appeals to Muslim's women's sense of propriety. It covers the entire head, neck and body, with a narrow opening for the eyes.  
  
The gowns will be available in Lancashire hospitals in November, but already they seem to be a hit. According to the BBC:  
  
> The gowns were trialled at Royal Preston Hospital and proved so successful that a number of other NHS Trusts have also expressed an interest in offering them.  
>   
> Karen Jacob, linen services manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, came up with the idea.  
>   
> She 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."

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