We have had the opportunity to carry out a wonderful collaborative project by designing and producing a patient clothing collection for Soite Children's Hospital. The project started in the fall of 2022 with design and testing of different clothing styles and materials. Now, the first batch of children's patient clothes, designed and sewn in Kokkola, has been delivered to Soite Children's Hospital. The collection includes organic cotton outfits ranging in size from premature babies' 44 cm to 122 cm clothes.
"Soite has long been considering better options for children's patient clothes. More cheerful, durable, and practical clothing was needed and the patient clothes available on the market did not meet the requirements. Ordinary store-bought clothes have not withstood hospital use, and on the other hand, the patient clothes available on the market have not met the wishes of the pediatric ward," says Nico Jäväjä, Director of Soite Children and Youth Special Services.
Soite Children's Hospital wanted to collaborate with a local clothing manufacturer and therefore contacted PaaPii Design. Durability, appealing design for the target group, and practicality were needed for the patient clothes. Finding the right size was hoped to be easy, and the daily use of the clothes in various procedures was expected to be smooth. Product and collection development was carried out in collaboration between Soite Pediatric Department and PaaPii design team.
"The material used in PaaPii's clothes is soft and has been found to withstand washing and use well. The clothing models have been in test use for about six months on the pediatric ward. We hoped for small changes to the clothing models, such as holes for monitoring wires needed in patient care," says Kaisa Vapola, Head of Soite Pediatric Diseases.
The pattern designed for the children's hospital clothing collection, "Farm Animals," was drawn by Anniina Isokangas. The pattern featuring various animals encourages interaction between the young patient and the nurse. In exciting situations, it can help to shift thoughts elsewhere from the procedure.
The search for the right size of hospital clothing was seen as a challenge. This problem was solved by color coding the collection, so the size can be seen from the color and details of the clothes. In this way, the size label does not need to be searched for inside the clothes. At the same time, the collection was given the desired cheerfulness.
We are delighted that we had the opportunity to experience something new and create clothes for hospital use. Now, the first patient clothes have been delivered to Soite Children's Hospital. We thank Soite Children's Hospital and its staff for their cooperation and wish all the little patients a speedy recovery!
