New inclusive and sustainable theatre hats for patients, birth partners and staff

Staff on the Delivery Suite at the Great Western Hospital have introduced a new range of inclusive and sustainable theatre hats, improving the experience of patients, birth partners and staff, while saving money and reducing the Trust’s environmental impact.

The theatre hats meet strict infection prevention and control requirements, while the wide range of shapes and sizes suit different hair styles and types, and different cultural and religious needs.

Feedback shows that people with braided, afro, or very curly hair can find traditional theatre hats uncomfortable as they don’t accommodate the volume and length of their hair. The new styles have more room and have been introduced alongside theatre hijabs to meet religious needs.

Bright name tags on the hats and hijabs also aim to improve communication and create a more personal experience during surgery.

Unlike traditional disposable hats, the new hats can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing the team’s environmental impact and saving the Trust around £1,650 a year.

The maternity team used Improving Together - the improvement methodology used across BSW Hospitals Group - to ensure that improvements are led by the people who know their service and patients best.

Work is now taking place to explore opportunities to introduce the new theatre hats across BSW Hospitals Group which includes hospitals in Bath and Salisbury.