Recycled Hospital Gowns Transformed into Octopus IV Drip Poles for Children

Used hospital gowns are being repurposed into IV drip poles designed as octopuses, with the aim of improving the mood of young patients. The concept for “Olly the Octopus” originated with product designer Florence Mitchell during her third year of studying sustainable product design at Falmouth University in Cornwall. These entirely recycled, cartoon-inspired blue octopus designs are constructed from discarded polypropylene gowns sourced from the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. Mitchell stated that she “felt like he needed to be engaging, not just be a static thing that stands in the corner, but to bring him to life a bit”. Her inspiration came after a hospital visit where discussions with staff revealed the fragility of conventional IV poles. She noted, “Once broken, they need to be completely thrown out and then bought again new”. An interactive component is also incorporated into the octopus designs. Mitchell expressed, “I thought it would be awesome if we could make that into an app where ‘Olly’ comes to life.” She elaborated, “Not only in a way that he moves, but more interactively, where kids can take their medication with him and feed him and maybe we can bring an element into this where parents can also log on and see how their kids are doing in terms of their mood. “So, it was something that could potentially relieve some of that anxiety for parents as well as making the experience for kids more engaging.” Additional design factors included ensuring the poles could be readily detached by ward staff and were capable of supporting the necessary weight. According to Ms Mitchell, the designs are engineered to support three times the weight of typical IV hooks, featuring 10 tentacles symbolizing NHS values. Her current aspirations include enhancing the product’s sustainability and expanding its application. She stated, “I’d really love to see Olly in hospitals, if possible.” Kelly Mengham, ward sister for the Gastro and Liver Unit, assisted Ms Mitchell in establishing the project during its initial phases and described it as an “outstanding product”. Mengham further commented, “I can’t wait to see Olly in action”.