INGA Wellbeing

Designer
Fiona Mc Greal (i.s.m. Gysemans Clothing Industry, Innovatie Centrum, Alsico NV, Philippe Buck, Solvay, Jacques Peeters, Jules Bordet Institute)
Client
INGA Wellbeing

Inga Wellbeing is a collection of practical, comfortable yet stylish and attractive clothing for hospital patients.

The collection includes smocks, pullovers, dresses, trousers and pyjamas all featuring discreet openings for drains or panels which can be removed easily for routine medical examinations to be performed or to administer treatment. In contrast to the somewhat stigmatising operating gowns currently used, Inga Wellbeing clothing enables patients to maintain complete dignity. They can continue to wear it while being examined or undergoing treatment and without having to be partially or fully undressed by nursing staff, which can be an extremely humiliating and unpleasant experience. Neither do patients need to feel embarrassed in the company of others.

The garments are made of natural, soft stretch fabrics. There is no doubt that patients’ feeling of wellbeing positively impacts both their mental and physical recovery.

The Inga Wellbeing range of hospital clothing can be used in all situations and is suitable for patients at every stage of their treatment. The garments are produced by a market leader in hospital clothing which is fully behind the concept and is using all its knowledge, contacts and production capacity to drive the idea forward.

Many medical professionals have also expressed their support for the project. On 25 May 2016 it won the ProF Award for best European innovation in a medical care setting at Ghent University for the second time. Looking ahead, the aim is ultimately to be able to integrate smart- and nanotechnology into the clothing. In this respect, it is also possible to integrate a movement sensor.

“We felt that from the moment we received this award, healthcare professionals, potential customers and the media took us more seriously”

Fiona Mc Greal, INGA Wellbeing, Henry van de Velde Better Health Award 16