Top five questions and answers
1. Why change?
A recent review found that the majority of patients have great difficulty in identifying uniformed members of staff. It said that variations in the style and colour of uniforms across regions, and sometimes hospitals within the same region, created confusion. This isn't surprising considering NHS Boards have been using 250 styles of tunic in more than 100 different colours.
The new colour-coded national uniform will present a professional corporate image, making it easier for members of the public to identify type and grades of NHSScotland staff.
The clinical team, involved in patient treatment, will wear tunics in four shades of blue with navy trousers. The facilities team, including porters, catering and domestic staff, will wear two shades of green with navy trousers. Facilities supervisors will wear the darker shade of green.
Work is underway to develop a suitable uniform for other staff groups including Pharmacy Technicians, Healthcare Scientists, Admin & Clerical and Dental Care Professionals.
Staff who do not wear a uniform for a range of safety, clinical and other reasons will not be required to wear a new uniform.
2. What makes my new uniform better?
The new uniform, which has been designed specifically for NHSScotland, will be manufactured in a lighter, more comfortable fabric specifically developed for NHSScotland. It will be cool enough for the hospital environment and in terms of comfort it will stretch to allow bending and freedom of movement. An improved style and fit make it more appropriate for manual handling needs.
The uniform will be available in a wide range of sizes, including maternity wear and the short-sleeved design will also enable effective handwashing, promoting best practice and inspiring public confidence.
Navy blue trousers will be available in a wide range of sizes in unisex cargo style and ladies' and gents' tailored styles.
3. How will it benefit patients?
As well as making it easier for patients, members of the public and staff to identify the different roles played by staff, the new uniform is better suited to the needs of staff.
As the uniform is more practical, staff will be more comfortable performing their roles. This will help them to carry out their tasks better and more efficiently to the benefit of their patients.
4. Won't this cost a huge amount of money?
No - it will actually be better value because each NHS Board/hospital doesn't have to source so many different uniforms. There is a national contract in place with one supplier, which helps to maximise financial savings through bulk purchase.
5. When will the new uniform appear on wards?
The new uniform will begin to arrive in hospitals and other clinical settings from December 2009. They will be phased in with old uniforms only being replaced when they need to be replaced. All NHSScotland staff who currently wear a uniform will be required to wear the new uniform by 2012.
NHS Boards will manage their own process for phasing in the new uniform and staff will continue wearing their current uniform until they are issued with a new one.