Brits offer burkas for patients

By Stone Martindale Sep 5, 2006, 19:05 GMT

burqa-clad Afghan woman. The Taliban forced women under the all-covering burkah and from their schools and jobs and playing sport was out of the question. The men are again allowed to play soccer today, but it is still out of bounds for women, most of whom also continue to wear the burqa. EPA/FARAHNAZ KARIMY

Britain’s Daily Express featured a new politically correct gown for hospital patients on its paper. 

A northwest England hospital has introduced a new surgical gown inspired by burkas, allowing female Muslim patients to cover themselves completely in line with their religious beliefs.

The blue "Inter-Faith Gown" is the first of its type in Britain and has been beta tested at the Royal Preston Hospital. It will be available to those who want it from November 1st.

The Daily Express reports that Hospital spokespeople said the gown -- which covers the entire body from head to toe -- provides extra comfort and cover for patients undergoing medical procedures and whose culture or religion requires more modest attire.

The response from patients is said to be "overwhelming" and said it had attracted interest from a number of other hospitals around the country. Others, who are critical, claim it is akin to Victorian era methods of doctors "feeling" their patients blindly under sheets to diagnose and treat.

The Daily Express added an editorial claiming the new hospital garb was over the top, catering and kowtowing special treatment for one group of people.

"If people want to live in Britain, then they must accept British standards and the British way of life... The standard hospital gown is surely good enough for everyone."