New NHS uniforms: will ‘smart scrubs’ help nurses do the job?

Nurses in England’s NHS are to start wearing a national uniform, in a gradual adoption of ‘smart scrubs’. The uniforms will be colour-coded by occupation and role, to make nurses and other staff groups more easily recognisable, wherever they work. Critics worry the NHS uniforms overhaul is a waste of money that would be better spent on staffing and equipment. Our columnist Jane Bates says the colour palate may be too subtle and complex to achieve the aim of being an instant indicator of role. But she adds if the scrubs are comfortable and sustainably produced, what’s not to like?