For the orthodox among us re a hospital observation

[Goatymum]

I had day surgery last week in a north London hospital. While I was waiting around I saw an orthodox man going down to theatre with his kippah on and tzitzit over his surgical gown. I have never seen this before and was surprised it was allowed due to not being sterile. Unless they keep a supply of sterile kippot/tzittzit on standby? Can you take off your religious wear for surgery?

I did see a notice about a Shabbos lift so they must be used to orthodox patients and their requirements, but this made me curious!

Can anyone enlighten me?

You definitely can take off your religious garb for surgery so I am not sure what that was about!

theres a shabbos lift?! I’m impressed!

Having walked down to surgery in my hospital gown, chilly and exposed, the next time I had to walk down I insisted on wearing my dressing gown. After all, they bagged up my slippers and glasses and returned them to me on the ward, so why not add my dressing gown?

You can keep the kippah on, but I'm assuming he took off his tzitzis when actually got into theatre.

It was at UCLH so a lot of Jewish patients!!

I had to give my stuff in before going to the theatre waiting area so no chance for a dressing gown although now they give you two hospital gowns so you’re covered from both sides.

It’s good you can keep your kippah on for those who are observant. I was surprised about the tzitzit more!