I never thought it could really happen.

It has not happened yet.

But it looks as if it will.

Hospital gowns—to say nothing of the even-worse doctor’s office paper ones—are one of the most undignified insults to patients imaginable.

An illness exposes people in so many ways. They don’t need a gown to display their back-sides to expose them— literally.

Britain’s National Health Service expects to introduce the new model by 2011, says this BBC story.

BBC

“The traditional draughty and backless hospital gown is getting a Hollywood-style makeover by one of the world’s top designers.

“Ben de Lisi, famed for creating red-carpet frocks for stars like Kate Winslet, says his “aspirational” new design will preserve patients’ modesty.

“The old gowns have been criticised for leaving patients laid bare.

“The Design Council will unveil the design next month as part of a project to improve dignity across the NHS.”

Source: BBC, February 9, 2010