Concerns About Medical Gowns

Many patients are outraged that medical gowns fail to protect their modesty. Gowns that open in the back can leave patients’ buttocks exposed, stripping them of basic bodily privacy and dignity. Patients should not have to endure unnecessary exposure simply because a hospital chooses gowns that provide inadequate coverage. Wearing scrub pants or shorts underneath can help. Some facilities provide scrub pants or shorts upon request.

Hospitals and medical clinics must do better. No patient should be left partially exposed because a gown is too small or the facility lacks appropriate sizes. Healthcare facilities should maintain an adequate supply of properly fitting gowns in a wide range of sizes so every patient can be covered appropriately.

Check out the articles about patients wearing their own clothes: Hidden Beneath the Hospital Gown and Keep Your Pants, and Your Dignity, at the Hospital.