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The Rationale For A National Uniform
Currently, the 22 Scottish Health Boards have different uniform sets, which vary frequently, not just by grade and role, but sometimes between neighbouring hospitals. Across NHS Scotland, we purchase over 250 different styles of tunic in over 100 different colours. A range of epaulets, badges and other mechanisms are used to denote grade and role, but none of these, nor the NHS Scotland or Board logos, are used consistently. The uniform of each staff group varies from Board to Board, whilst in some cases, identical uniforms are being purchased by different Boards to denote different staff groups.
Independent research suggests that patients are confused by the current array of colours and styles, and finds it difficult to identify relevant staff. Both staff and patients have called for a greater degree of national standardisation, which would provide clarity, especially for patients and staff who work or access services across Scotland. A National uniform would also present a corporate image for the NHS in Scotland, clearly identifying the wearer as NHS staff and not from any of the high street companies who provide this style of uniform to their own staff.
The existing NSS National Procurement uniform contract currently includes provision to purchase all these various uniform sets. It is clear that there are a number of problems with the existing contract. National Procurement have received numerous complaints about the quality of the garments currently available - e.g. the poor quality of the material used, inappropriateness for manual handling needs; poor styling and fit; complaints that heavy polyester/cotton uniforms are not suitable for working on hot wards; uniforms being routinely bought off contract and reports of staff purchasing "uniform" from high street stores.
Management information from the existing contract also suggests that we are not capitalising effectively on our bulk purchasing power, leading to poor management of the existing contract, poor value, with a huge range of prices being paid for similar articles, and long lead times, with staff waiting up to 6 months for some items.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing has recognised that a national uniform set will enable us to procure a uniform set that better meets the needs of staff and patients, whilst promoting a coherent corporate image for the Service. We envisage that standardising a set of core items will greatly improve quality and service, whilst achieving best value. This document seeks to consult on options for the new uniform set.
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