More than 50 gowns have been donated to patients staying at Hospice Waikato.
The open-back gowns are like hospital nighties, but are made of cotton and are colourful.
When Joy Roulston's husband was in hospice's in-patient ward, she was asked by one of the nurses if she would be ableto make brighter and more comfortable versions of hospital gowns for patients.
The gowns make it easier for nurses and patients as they tie at the back and are easy to slip on and off. They are also breathable because they are made of cotton.
Emsa Folau, a health care assistant at Hospice Waikato, says patients often wore their own clothes or hospital gowns prior. "These gowns make it way easier and comfortable and safer, saves staff from hurting their backs, just [undo] the top and it is done."
Joy's husband spent time in the in-patient ward at Hospice Waikato three times and had to have his clothes cut down the back to enable them to be removed.
Three lots of gowns have been made, with the third costing $328 for 16. Joy says the cost is steep because cotton is so expensive.
A variety of colours are used and are for both men and women.
Colleen Porteous is one of the organisers and says more funding is needed for another lot of gowns.
"We would [like] if someone wanted to sponsor the material again."
Gordonton Women's Institute, Morrinsville Pakeke Lions and Chartwell Lions have sponsored one lot of gowns each.
Joy says they started by making feeders to protect patient's clothes when they are being fed. "I just thought when they are sitting up to have their food, they don't want to spill it down the front so it just keeps their clothing clean."
It takes about a week to make the gowns after the material has been purchased.
