Re-designing last seasons Manchester City Football Shirts into hospital gowns for Manchester Children’s Hospital

This research aimed to evaluate the perceived acceptability of an upcycled football shirt to replace existing hospital gowns for children under-going a surgical procedure in a local NHS children’s hospital.

Children undergoing surgery need to deal with the psychological challenges and pressures associated with a stay in hospital. The project aimed to reduce the associated level of stress for patients, parents and staff through the use of an alternative garment to be used effectively in a clinical setting.

Football shirts have a limited commercial lifespan with the new seasons kit up-dated at the end of each season. Previous season surplus stock has limited commercial benefit for football clubs and sports retailers. This is yet another sustainability issue for the clothing industry which is already the second biggest global polluter.

This upcycled redesign incorporated the UN SDG 12th Sustainable goal of ‘Responsible Consumption and Construction.’ Using ‘Design Thinking’ and action orientated ‘Innovation Frameworks’ redesign options and prototypes were explored.

Surveys will be carried out to capture clinical staff and parents’ views on the garments suitability and on the sense of psychological comfort associated with the re-designed surgical gown compared to its predecessor.

The upcycled shirts will be manufactured by HMP Prison Industries who have the largest garment manufacturing capabilities in the UK.

This work was completed virtually by all stakeholders as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Collaborative Partners

Manchester City Football Club

NHS

HM Prison Service