North Memorial Health Offering Hygienic Hijab Option for Patients, Providers

North Memorial Health patients going into surgery in Robbinsdale and Maple Grove now have a new option for hygienic hair coverage: disposable hijabs. 

In most cases when going into surgery, patients are typically given a bouffant cap.

However, those caps are typically see-through and do not provide enough coverage for those who practice religious modesty.

North Memorial system director Jessi Kingston said a staff member asked if there was a disposable option the hospital could provide, then she got to work.

“It just makes me so happy that we could do this small thing for them at a time where they’re very vulnerable in their own life,” Kingston said.

Zamzam Kussu, who works in policy and compliance for North Memorial, said these head coverings are more secure than traditional bouffant caps.

When worn, they cover the head, neck and shoulders and are much more opaque.

If people opt for the hijab, there are two options for them to choose between: a wrap-style, and a pullover style.

North Memorial employee Zamzam Kussu tries on the pullover version of the hygienic hijab.

Kussu is Muslim, but doesn’t typically wear a hijab. However, for others that do wear a hijab, she said this representation is incredible.

“We don’t have to choose [between] our religion and full patient safety,” Kussu said. “We can have both together at the same time.”

Leaders and staff at North Memorial Health say this option is making a difference for both patients and employees who use them.

She heard a story from a patient who wasn’t expecting them to be an option. When they discovered it was an option, they were grateful.

A kit given to a patient for surgery has a head covering, either a hijab or bouffant cap, and a gown in it.

Maple Grove | Robbinsdale