I remember learning about the benefits of colour coding back in the early 90s courtesy of the wonderful Colin Hasson, who was at the time heading up the British Institute of Cleaning Science. The concept was something I’d never come across before but once Colin had explained the ‘whys and wherefores’, I was hooked to the extent that I not only regularly wrote about the system but I started using it at home – and still do – as do several friends and family members who saw from me how much sense it makes. I was particularly enthused that as well as all the benefits regarding cross-contamination etc, colour coding – if the same system were to be adopted nationally, or even globally, it would allow those in our high-turnover industry and especially those working part-time for several contractors, to move from one workplace to another without fear of using the wrong coloured equipment for the job in hand. 

 

You might imagine then that I was excited by the NHS Supply Chain’s announcement this week regarding the incoming National Health Service uniform colourways, to include all the allied health professions, healthcare sciences, midwifery, nursing and pharmacy. Currently uniforms are decided upon by individual Trusts, which has resulted in a range of styles, colours, embroidery and rank identifiers. “During the consultation it was clear that colour should be the primary identifier for different professions and roles,” it said. “The carefully curated colourways have been chosen for their ability to resonate nationally and create a coherent and recognisable system across the NHS. The chosen base colours and contrast trim for the smart scrub top will clearly denote each professional group.” Initially, it all made sense, but 27 different colours with contrasting trims? And gender neutral, “to ensure the fit of the garments are [sic] appropriate for use in a diverse workforce.” I don’t think so! 

 

Standardising uniforms to enable patients and visitors to easily identify staff – not forgetting professionals thrown together to handle emergencies – is a great idea, but what’s in the pipeline sounds far too confusing. Likewise, using one supplier rather than the multitude currently used, is likely to save money, (around 30% of the current spend of around £23million annually, according to estimates). However, since adoption will still be down to individual Trusts there is likely to be little cohesion regarding either point and I’m now wondering how much will be spent on leaflets and posters telling folk what each base colour and contrasting trim signifies! And the environmental costs of people switching to new uniforms when their old ones are still perfectly serviceable, of course… 

 

Now change the patient ‘uniform’, (the gown which does seem to be standard across the NHS) to one that’s less flimsy and which doesn’t require help to secure all the ties down the back but which still exposes the wearer’s backside and they’ll have a winner!