Frequently Asked Questions
Why a national uniform?
A national uniform specification will promote a coherent corporate image, making it easier for members of the public to identify NHSScotland staff. A national contract is also the most cost effective procurement option, maximising financial savings through bulk purchase. Importantly, it will also enable us to focus effort on developing a high quality specification that better meets our needs.
Who is driving the process?
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing tasked the Scottish Government Uniform Working Group with developing a national uniform specification, which best meets the needs of our staff and patients. The Scottish Government Uniform Working Group includes officials and staff side representation.
Is this a cost-saving measure?
Our principal objective is to procure a uniform which is fit for purpose and best value. Standardizing core items will improve quality and service. We know that both these issues are of concern, for example, with staff complaining that uniforms are not fit for purpose, Boards buying off-contracts and numerous reports of long lead times to fulfill orders.
Has the specification been agreed for all staff who are required to wear a uniform?
Dental Care Professionals, Pharmacy staff, Healthcare Scientists and Admin & Clerical staff. It is anticipated that new tunics for these groups will be available from Spring 2010.Uniform sets for a small number of staff groups are in the process of being finalised:
Is partnership fully involved?
Yes - the Scottish Government Uniform Working Group includes staff-side representation. The Group's work is overseen by the Scottish Workforce and Governance Committee (SWAG).
Was there a public consultation?
Yes - in June 2008, a six week public consultation on the national uniform proposals was launched and 647 responses were received. These included responses from organisations such as professional bodies, unions and NHS Boards.
Have patients been consulted?
Designated Directors for Public Involvement at NHS Boards have used their Public Partnership Forums and other networks to make the public aware of work underway to establish a national uniform for NHSScotland staff. We have invited comments from these groups, which have helped inform the initial stages of the process.
We also commissioned independent Research Consultants, George Street Research to gather patients' views on the impact of changes to the national uniform set on patients and their relatives/carers. They have also interviewed a range of organisations who represent vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and disabled.
A summary of the conclusions is included at Annex B in this consultation document.
The full report can be viewed on the Staff Governance website at www.staffgovernance.scot.nhs.uk
How will the new uniform by implemented?
The National Uniform policy was announced via a Chief Executives' Letter (CEL) on
26 August. The new uniform will be phased in as needs require, with a requirement to phase in the new uniform for all staff by 2012. This will avoid one-off replacement costs - estimated in the region of £7m to £10m - associated with a "big-bang" launch.
How will the new uniform be phased in?
Staff will continue to wear their current uniform until they are issued with the new uniformEach Health Board will manage their own process for phasing in the new uniform, with a complete change over by 2012.
Does NHSScotland have a national dress code?
The Dress Code applies to all staff whether or not they are required to wear a uniform.Yes - the NHSScotland Dress Code was published on 17 December 2008.
The Dress Code can be viewed on the Scotland's Health on the Web (SHoW) website:
http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/mels/CEL2008_53.pdf