Patient creates more dignified and comfortable hospital gowns

Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Olivia Burns spent her childhood undergoing life-saving surgeries and countless medical procedures. Through these experiences, she became intimately familiar with the problems of traditional hospital gowns. These loose-fitting garments, typically worn by patients during medical treatments or hospital stays, are designed to allow easy access for medical procedures. However, they are often uncomfortable, impractical, and undignified, particularly for young patients.

At 18, while studying fashion business and management at Manchester Metropolitan University, Olivia turned her frustration into innovation. Her final project became the foundation of Hypoplas, a patient-wear brand dedicated to improving the hospital experience.

The result is the Inversus gown, a redesign of traditional hospital clothing. Unlike conventional gowns, the Inversus gown prioritizes dignity, comfort, and practicality. Its wrap-around design features multiple access points for medical needs, open sleeves for IV delivery and drainage checks, and low-profile Velcro fastenings that ensure quick access without irritating the skin. The gown’s design also prevents interference with medical equipment, reducing complications and improving patient care.

Beyond patient comfort, the gown addresses sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By eliminating the need for cutting gowns during emergencies and enabling single-gown usage per patient, it reduces textile waste and NHS laundry expenses. Additionally, Hypoplas offers a reconditioning clinic to extend the gown’s lifespan, aligning with the NHS’s Net Zero Goal. With NHS Procurement approval and upcoming product evaluations, Hypoplas is ready to change patient clothing in the healthcare system.

Olivia has turned her personal experience into a mission to make recovery more comfortable and convenient for patients by creating clothing that is both functional and stylish.

Adapted from:
https://www.mmu.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/story/fashion-graduate-create...

Find out more information:
https://www.hypoplas.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZPxY81F0lg