Your questions answered on our reusable theatre hat trail at Musgrove Park Hospital

We have been blown away by the wonderful comments from colleagues and patients across the world from our recent Instagram video about our reusable theatre hats trial at Musgrove Park Hospital. We had hundreds of questions, which our supplier, Eco Ninja's has kindly answered below.

FAQ’s for reusable Badge Hats

Q) Have you thought about colour coding the labels? The yellow badges look bright.

A) We started to offer different coloured badges, but this created more complex ordering. Other issues included not being able to write on the badges- black ink is the best colour to use. Darker badges would require a light-coloured pen, and white pens didn’t work well. If badges were different colours, the names/roles wouldn’t stand out as much.

Yellow badges with black writing have been identified the best colour contrast for everyone to read easily, including people with dyslexia and dementia- this is why this colour was selected for the ‘hello my name is’ badges.

We can now offer white badges as well as yellow as we have added a top vinal coat which allows a black pen to be easily rubbed off and cleaned.

Q) Embroidered and printed hats have been out there for some time, helping to improve communication. Why not use those instead?

A) We also sell embroidered hats, but ordering is complex and size specific to each individual. Embroidered hats cannot be centrally laundered due to the logistical challenge of getting all of the exact hats back to the right people. Somerset decided to centrally launder their hats, so the detachable badges work well to enable this to be done. Other challenges of embroidered hats are when staff leave, the hats leave with them as no one else can wear them whereas the badges can be simply attached to the correct size of hat and interchangeably worn, just like scrubs.

Q) Blank badges would be a good idea, that can be written on for people who visit theatre but aren’t a regular member of the team such as medical students or foundation doctors.

A) We do have blank badges and with role only so names can be added, as well as names & roles on the blank badges. Somerset have evaluated this, and the written-on badges have been successfully worn by Radiographers, Students, Registrars, Reps and Clinical Scientists. We have recently upgraded our writable badges with a vinal covering to make them last for longer.

Q) Pretty sure this is well established in new Zealand/Australia

A) Embroidered and printed hats have been used in Australia and New Zealand for a few years now, but the detachable badge hats are the first of their kind and Somerset is the first hospital that they have been used in worldwide. The issues and complexities of embroidered hats is outlined in the Q/A above.

Q) How are the hats being washed and can the badges be cleaned also?

A) The hats are collected at the end of each day and laundered at the Yeovil site. The clean hats are delivered back several times per week. Centrally laundering the hats ensures that they are all being washed at the correct temperatures to ensure effective cleaning/decontamination. The badges are to be washed with soap and water at the end of each shift also.

Q) All staff should know each other’s names and should introduce themselves properly to patients.

A) Due to the complexity of the theatre environment and high turnover of staff as well as frequent visitors to the department such as Radiographers, reps, clinical scientists etc, not all staff will know who these people are or the roles they do. Another factor is the staff learning who often do short rotations such as medical students, student nurses, student ODP’s and Registrars- by the time their faces are recognised by other members of the team, they have moved onto another unit. The name badges on hats can identify everyone from students to Surgeons!

Q) Is there an inclusive range available for staff from other cultures and religions?

A) We have two sizes of braided hats for staff with hair braids. We have nearly finished our hijab design also and will add it to the range soon.

Questions from colleagues

Q) Colour coding of hats to size like scrubs would be useful.

A) We are looking to make an adaptation to our ninja tags which is sewn onto the outside of the hats. We are looking to add coloured stripes to the ends of the tags to correspond to the colour codes of scrubs. Yellow = small, Brown = medium, White = large, XL= Pink.

Q) The fabric feels hotter.

A) Disposable hats have long been the standard, typically being paper-thin at approximately 20 gsm (grams per square meter). The new fabric hats, however, are significantly thicker at 145 gsm, which is the recommended minimum fabric weight for healthcare. While staff may initially find them unfamiliar, it is anticipated that they will become accustomed to them over time.

Extensive research has been conducted on thinner fabrics and alternatives to 145 gsm poly cotton, resulting in a comprehensive report. This report indicates that 145 gsm poly cotton is the thinnest recommended fabric for healthcare due to its durability, longevity, and comfort. As the hats undergo more washes, their comfort is expected to increase as they become more worn in.

Q) The bandana feels too small.

A) We are adding a larger size to our range now which should feel more comfortable for people with larger heads.

Q) The bandana ties feel too thick.

A) We have requested thinner ties. Prototypes will be made and feedback gained.

Q) The hoods feel too hot and tight.

A) We have provided feedback to our design team, and they are adapting the hoods to allow more ventilation which should feel more comfortable. As soon as prototypes are available, we will send them to be assessed.

Interested in more sustainability news? Read about how our own Somerset surgeon has invented a new eco-friendly way to collect urine samples which can now be procured by NHS organisations.