Consultation launched on consistent uniform for NHS staff

NHS Supply Chain has launched a seven week consultation about the potential introduction of a standardised national healthcare uniform for NHS staff working in clinical roles in England.

The organisation is keen to hear the views of healthcare assistants, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals working in hospital and non-hospital settings across the country on whether a culturally sensitive, national approach to uniforms should be taken – and if so, should all NHS trusts adopt it.   

NHS Supply Chain’s specialist hotel services buying function currently offers a uniform contract which provides a compliant framework from which NHS trusts specify the design, style and colours. This has led to significant variation of uniform between different NHS trusts, with many styles, colours, embroidery and rank identifiers which could potentially be reduced to one shared style for all staff groups differentiated by 15 to 20 colours.

According to the NHS body, benefits could include: improved patient safety, supporting recommendations made in the 2013 Francis Inquiry; greater recognition of staff by patients and the public; improved view of professionalism in appearance by staff; development of a high performing, ethical and sustainable supply chain, with a single NHS brand across the patient care pathway, providing consistency across the whole of the NHS in England; and offers the ability to plan for and react to increased uniform demand such as those experienced during the coronavirus pandemic.

An independent survey of patients commissioned by NHS Supply Chain across eight NHS trusts found that 88 per cent of patients think that the same uniform should be worn nationally, 79 per cent of patients think that a strongly defined uniform helps them to identify key workers, and 55 per cent of patients were unable to easily identify senior members of staff via their uniform.

NHS Scotland and NHS Wales introduced a nationally standardised uniform in 2010 and NHS Northern Ireland followed in 2011. NHS Wales currently has 154 product lines and NHS Scotland has 64, compared to 30,000 product lines in England.

Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “Patients have told us that, for them, contact with several NHS professionals in a hospital and non-hospital setting can sometimes feel confusing, frequently due to not knowing who does which role. We want patients and the public to be able to easily identify which nursing, midwifery or care professional is providing their care. Keeping patients and staff safe is fundamental to this consultation so please have your say.”  

Kevin Chidlow, Tower Director for NHS Supply Chain, said: “This consultation is the chance for NHS staff working in hospitals and in the community across England and their representative bodies, to have their say on the potential creation of a fit for purpose, easy to wear, smart and comfortable uniform for the diverse and professional NHS workforce.  

“We have developed a case for change which focuses on patient safety, professional image, equality, diversity and inclusion, value for money and sustainability. We welcome thoughts and insights from all healthcare professionals, which make up 60 per cent of the whole of the NHS workforce.”