On the second day of Ramadan, Children's Minnesota debuted "modesty gowns" for pediatric hospital patients, which will be offered as part of a partnership with Henna & Hijabs, a Minnesota-based and Black-, Muslim-, woman-led company.
The gowns, designed by Henna & Hijabs founder Hilal Ibrahim with Muslim patients in mind, include features to provide appropriate modest coverage, the Minneapolis-based health system said in a March 12 news release.
The gowns, created in partnership with Henna & Hijabs and the consultation of Children's Minnesota pediatric clinicians and patient families, are available in four sizes for pediatric patients. The gowns feature sleeves that are three-quarter length, a detachable hijab component and a closure that can be worn in front or back.
"As part of our mission to champion the health needs of all kids, Children's Minnesota is committed to providing equitable and inclusive care through every aspect of a family's experience, right down to the medical gown kids wear during their stay at the hospital," said Emily Chapman, MD, chief medical officer and senior vice president of medical affairs at Children's Minnesota, said in the release. "Many kids spend a long time at the hospital, and it's important that we provide all patients with culturally sensitive and inclusive clothes that meet our medical standards. Our hope is that this serves as a model for other health systems and care providers."
According to Children's Minnesota, the health system is among the first in the U.S. to offer a modesty gown designed for children. The system said the new gowns will begin as a pilot this month and will then roll out to all Children's Minnesota patients.