News

Comfort and pockets: what nurses really want from a national uniform

As a garment supplier is chosen the priorities are comfort, free movement and pockets, with other suggestions including a colour system for bands
Nurses’ uniforms in Scotland, where a national uniform already exists

As a garment supplier is chosen the priorities are comfort, free movement and pockets, with other suggestions including a colour system for bands

Five people in a hospital corridor model nurses’ uniforms in Scotland
Nurses’ uniforms in Scotland, where a national uniform already exists

Comfort, free movement, and pockets are all top priorities for nurses when it comes to a national uniform in England.

A national uniform for NHS nurses in England has taken a step closer to reality after a supplier was chosen to make the garments.

Responding to the news on social media, Nursing Standard readers welcomed the idea saying it would make it easier for patients to identify nurses. But they were clear the uniforms had to be fit for purpose and comfortable.

Current tunic and dress combinations called uncomfortable, restrictive, outdated – and indecent

Newly registered nurse Kat Suffolk said on Twitter: ‘I want it to prioritise comfort and free movement rather than just standardising colours. I love the NHS Scotland scrub style too with piping and embroidery, looks really smart but comfortable and easy to work in.’

Nurse Kat Gibbs added: ‘Yes, but scrub style with deeper pockets. Current tunic and dress combinations are poorly fitted, uncomfortable, restrictive, outdated and at times indecent. A standard colour system of the bands would also reduce cost and be simpler.’

Specialist emergency care nurse Chris Elton agreed: ‘As long as the trousers have cargo pockets and the tops don't spill the contents of the pockets when you bend over.’

In a poll on Nursing Standard’s Instagram page 88% of 979 respondents agreed they wanted a national uniform, while 18% did not.

Nurses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been wearing standardised uniforms for several years. But in England, individual employers have retained local discretion, resulting in diverse colour coding, styles, textiles and branding.

Of the more than 28,000 nursing respondents to a 2021 consultation most were in favour of a national uniform, with almost half preferring a ‘smart scrub’ two-piece uniform. The tunic is more fitted than the standard scrub top, and has added pockets.

Four people walking towards the camera model nurses’ uniforms in Wales
Nurses’ uniforms in Wales Picture: Jay Williams

Some say a national uniform would help patients and colleagues identify different types of nurses

Aside from the practicalities of pockets and breathable material, nurses hoped a national uniform would help patients and colleagues identify different types of nurses.

Anne Evans said on Facebook: ‘Would be useful. Where I worked the domestic staff wore maroon, as a patient in another hospital, I was confused by a lady in maroon asking personal questions, turns out she was the ward sister. When training, all sisters were in navy blue.’

Katie Angell added: ‘Makes sense to be able identify roles across all organisations. I work in community however and I’m not sure scrubs would be most appropriate for that.’

Some say they would prefer a pay rise rather than a new uniform

But not everyone was happy with the work under way to provide a national uniform. Many felt it was unnecessary and said they would prefer a pay rise instead.


In other news

Jobs