Having had many discussions over the past few months with hospitals that have previously made the change to embroidered reusable theatre hats, we learned that some have had to revert back to using disposable theatre hats. Delving into the reasons, we discovered why this happens.

1. Staff Leaving

Some theatre departments have a high turnover of staff moving on to different hospitals. Each time a person leaves, they take their hats with them — typically 4 for wash cycles. Those hats are then completely lost as an asset from the department because no one else can wear a bespoke embroidered hat. If 30 staff leave per year, 120 hats are lost. New starters revert to disposables, and the habit repeats.

2. Ordering New Hats

If there is a champion in the department with the time and dedication to continue placing small regular orders for new starters, embroidered hats can successfully continue. A fantastic example is Dr Mruga Diwan from Liverpool Royal University Hospital, who has consistently been ordering embroidered hats for new starters since 2022 when she led the change from disposables. In our experience, however, this is an exception rather than the rule — hospitals inevitably end up reverting to disposables.

3. Those Who Don't Get Allocated Hats

Student nurses, student ODPs, student doctors, visitors, birthing partners, and company representatives often don't have the option of ordering embroidered hats. Who would wash the hats for visitors and reps when staff take their personalised hats home to launder? There are also difficulties in knowing the required sizes and colours, plus storage considerations. All these individuals continue wearing disposable theatre hats despite the department having implemented reusables.

4. Infection Control

Various IPC hospital teams allow hats to be laundered at home by individuals, but many do not — and each hospital's infection prevention team has a different view. Recommendations and guidance for laundering are therefore varied.

The Theatre Badge Hat Solution

We believe that our theatre badge hat range can overcome all of the above challenges and be fully sustainable. They can be worn by everyone and washed like scrubs, removing the issues from an infection control perspective. All staff members, along with visitors, students, company representatives and birthing partners, can be clearly identified with our high-visibility name badges — creating a safer environment for all.

If you have any questions, please do contact us.