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OP-Ed Poetry Contest-A PLEA FOR HOSPITAL GOWN REDESIGN

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This prose poem was written on 12/22/2023 for Suzette Richards' Op-Ed Poetry Contest

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Tie-in-the-back butt-baring hospital gowns are humiliating. According to patients, wearing a belted loin cloth would be far less embarrassing. Some say the hospital gown strips self-respect from patients who humbly come to the hospital for help. Surely, fashion designers could create a hospital gown with dignity and compassion in mind.

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Bill Baker

Date: 12/23/2023 2:38:00 PM

Here, here! Sara. Nice entry for the contest and a needed message to the designers out there. Bill

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 5:39:00 PM

thank you, Bill...I figured you could relate! I appreciate your visit, hugs, Sara

Sotto Poet

Date: 12/23/2023 10:10:00 AM

The picture is adorable and the verse is excellent. It would be desirable if they could streamline their work process to increase efficiency. Season's greetings, my dear friend.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 5:40:00 PM

thank you, dear Sotto! Glad you liked the picture/cartoon. After wearing hospital gowns a few times this year, I just thought changing the design might be in order. Seasons greetings to you, too, Sotto!

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 12/23/2023 6:46:00 AM

What a great entry, Sara! I love this - so true! Seriously looking forward to some fashion designer taking notice of your OP-Ed poem.

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 12/23/2023 9:22:00 AM

Same for me, Sara. Ten years ago, I had a surgery, and had to wear those awful gowns! You are one of the best, smartest poets here. Suzette is going to love your entry!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 8:59:00 AM

thank you, Mala! I'm so grateful you took such pleasure in my OP-Ed poem. My recent hospital visit and wearing one of those tie-in-the-back gowns prompted me to write this piece. No one, absolutely no one likes those drafty gowns. Someone suggested a gown that tied or snapped together on both sides. I rather liked that suggestion. Have a wonderful holiday, hugs and best wishes, Sara

Silent One

Date: 12/23/2023 5:33:00 AM

Great humour dear Sara... this one made me laugh..

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 8:57:00 AM

thank you, Silent One...glad you enjoyed the humor. :-)

Charles Messina

Date: 12/23/2023 2:51:00 AM

LOL- yes, why is that. Love your take on the contest, Sara. BOL for a win! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Charlie

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 4:26:00 AM

thank you, Charles, for your visit and for your holiday wishes. Have a splendid holiday season, Sara

Hilo Poet

Date: 12/23/2023 1:45:00 AM

'Tis a prevalent site here yet I'm glad to head home as my abilities have been restored to about 90%. Homecare will continue, the hospital kept its word that'll be home for the holidays (literally). I'm glad that Team Poetry Soup views yours as Passable Picture Perfect which was a smile and thensome. Aloha, William

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 4:33:00 AM

thanks for your visit, William. I had no idea you were hospitalized, but glad you're at 90%. I had rotator cuff surgery last December. Surgery was smooth but the pain lasted for months as did the rehab..it's considered 'major' surgery...it was my first so I don't remember last year's Christmas. Yes, I'm glad the picture 'passed.' I was a bit concerned about it. Have a wonderful holiday, Sara

Clive Culverhouse

Date: 12/23/2023 12:14:00 AM

Absolutely, it's like they're only interested in gaining access from the rear! I always thought it would be better having the ties on the side, why not? Good luck in the contest Sara

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 4:31:00 AM

I like your hospital gown redesign...sides makes much more sense....Why not? Thanks for your visit and for your wishes. Have a wonderful holiday, Sara

Eve Roper

Date: 12/22/2023 11:25:00 PM

Cute picture and great verse. Would be nice if they did, but their way of getting to do their job easier. Merry Christmas my friend.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 4:30:00 AM

thanks for your visit and comments, Eve. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, hugs, Sara

Ink Empress

Date: 12/22/2023 9:14:00 PM

Dear Sara, this made me smile haha, and wow what a picture to go with it: you are so clever and creative really! Hah! I wonder too now why is the gown designed in such a way that the back is bare? It doesnt make sense. Surely designers need to change this . I wish this would reach many and something could be done. You did this prompt so well dear sara. Youv nailed it i must say! A fave it is for me for the truth and fun way you’ve delivered it too! Pleasure always reading you. You are so gifted

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 4:29:00 AM

I agree with you, Ink. I don't understand the hospital gown design. Although my response to the contest prompt was a bit humorous, it was also a plea. Thanks for the fave, dear poetess friend. Wishing you a warm and happy holiday, hugs, Sara

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/22/2023 8:29:00 PM

Brought back memories of four weeks ago Sara, I was so grateful to have had my op I would have been happy in my birthday suit lol. Tom

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/23/2023 4:27:00 AM

thanks for your visit, Tom, and for your humorous comments. Continue to heal...warm holiday wishes, Sara

Yann Rolland

Date: 12/22/2023 5:54:00 PM

i have seen some gowns in movie, it is unbearabe really, thanks a lot sara for the moving poem merry chrismas to your close family

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/22/2023 5:56:00 PM

thanks for your visit, Yann...you're right, they're unbelievably unbearable! have a splendid evening, Sara

Judy Ball

Date: 12/22/2023 5:42:00 PM

Oh I do so agree. Why do they need a gown that opens in the back when they need to see the front anyway. If they want to give you a shot any large muscle will do. I actually turned it around and wore it so I could hold it closed in front and they told me to put it on the other way. Good stuff and good luck in the contest. God Bless and Merry Christmas. JB

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/22/2023 5:46:00 PM

thanks for your visit, Judy, and for sharing your hospital gown experiences. I've grown to dislike them; I feel like I'm wearing some sort of sanitized hospital uniform. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Sara

Lin Lane

Date: 12/22/2023 4:07:00 PM

Bile green!!! gross me out lol AKA... Butt Crack Baby...

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 12/22/2023 5:47:00 PM

you're a funny gal, Lin, a/k/a butt crack baby. I'm laughing...thanks for stopping by! :-) sara