Disposable hijabs introduced for Muslim medical staff in UK
The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust are now the first in Britain to start it.
(Web Desk) - Female Muslim doctors and medical staff can now wear disposable hijabs for the first time in the UK.
According to Metro, Farah Roslan, a junior doctor, came up with the headscarf’s design after fearing that her traditional hijab posed a risk of infection to patients.
The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust are now the first in Britain to start using her creation.
Dr Roslan, from Malaysia, looked to her home country for inspiration, using fabrics which maintained a balance between being respectful to her faith and durable for work.
She said: ‘I’d been using the same headscarf all day which obviously wasn’t clean or ideal.
‘I didn’t feel comfortable taking it off and I was pulled out of the theatre, respectfully, due to infection control.
‘A middle ground had to be found between dress code due to faith and the passion of being in the operating theatre.
‘I am so happy my vision has become a reality and that these headscarves are now available for all of the staff. I’m really happy and looking forward to seeing if we can endorse this nationally.’
The disposable hijab became available at the start of December.
Consultant surgeon Gill Tierney, who mentored Dr Roslan, said: ‘We know it’s a quiet, silent, issue around theatres around the country and I don’t think it has been formally addressed.
‘It hasn’t cost much and hopefully the effect will be enormous.’
NHS England say it will be up to individual trusts whether they offer the headscarves.
