As many as 82 per cent of health and care professionals are in favour of the introduction of a consistent uniform across the NHS in England.
NHS Supply Chain has published a report detailing the results of their recent seven-week consultation about the potential introduction of a standardised national healthcare uniform for NHS staff working in clinical roles in England.
The report shows that of the 51,000 responses received, 82 per cent are in favour of the introduction of a consistent uniform across the NHS in England. When asked if the current situation, where there is no consistent approach to uniforms across the country, results in confusion for patients and visitors 87 per cent replied that it did.
The consultation asked a set of questions about the garment style and features, to help identify the key aspects felt necessary for a uniform to be well designed and fit for purpose. The preferred style of a national uniform design was identified as a smart scrub with 49 percent of respondents in favour of this. The majority of respondents would like to see a dress being offered as an alternative as well. Maintaining the identity of all professions was considered important.
Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “Patients have told us that contact with several NHS professionals can sometimes feel confusing, so I’m pleased that there is support for a standardised uniform for NHS staff working in clinical roles in England which will help patients and the public easily identify which nursing, midwifery or care professional is providing their care. I look forward to the next stage which will see continued engagement across the NHS.”
Kevin Chidlow, Category Tower Director for NHS Supply Chain: Hotel Services, said: “The results of this consultation are overwhelmingly positive and support the proposal for the NHS in England to introduce a standardised national uniform design across all settings, where appropriate. We’re delighted 50,710 individuals across the NHS as well as their representative bodies took the time to share their views. The quantity and quality of insights received are crucial in helping to shape future uniform design, style, and specification, so thank you to everyone who responded.
“Our aim is to develop a uniform NHS health and care professionals deserve and are proud to wear, and we’ve developed a plan to progress this. We’ve used the findings from the consultation to develop the design brief which we are taking to market. The design will evolve during the tender process and will include comprehensive wearer trials and feedback before a final design is agreed. We will continue to engage across the NHS to finalise the design.”
The consultation was open to the whole of the NHS workforce. Whilst over half of the responses received were from the nursing professions a substantial number of allied health professionals, midwives, pharmacists and healthcare scientists also gave their views.
