Leicester Royal Infirmary has purchased 150 large gowns for obese patients, the number of whom has quadrupled over the past five years. Last year, the infirmary admitted 120 people with chronic obesity, whereas in 2004 and 2005 the total number of such patients was only 21.
Nurse Lizzie Hyde noted: 'Previously, obese patients were brought to us by ambulance, and we didn't have suitable gowns for them. I think it's very uncomfortable for a person when they have to wear clothes that are too small. Now the situation has changed.' 100 gowns will remain at Leicester Royal Infirmary, and the remaining 50 will be distributed between Glenfield Hospital and Leicester Hospital.
The hospital management also spent £700,000 on purchasing special equipment for measuring obese patients, as well as on reinforcing operating tables and widening doorways. In addition, they purchased a special operating table, wide beds, super-strong mattresses, medical mattress covers, mobile lifts, and sturdy toilet seats.
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