British hospitals introduce Muslim gown

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.