General

code brown

What does code brown mean?

Ward shorthand for a faecal incontinence event, usually called over the bay curtain so the HCAs know to grab gloves, wipes and a fresh set of bedding. Real hospital codes are colour-coded emergencies, so 'Code Brown' lampoons the whole system.

"Can I get a hand in bed six, we've got a Code Brown and he's rolled into it."

Frequently asked questions

What does Code Brown mean?

Code Brown means a patient has lost control of their bowels and someone has to clean it up.

How do you use Code Brown in a sentence?

"We've got a Code Brown in room four — grab some gloves."

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.