Dress Code and Uniform Policy

Recommending Committee:

Human Resources Council

Approving Committee:

Trust Governance Board

Signature: Designation:

Chief Executive

Date:

Version Number: Date: Review Date: Responsible Officer:

Outcome Level (high, medium, low) Equality Impact LOW Assessment Review date

Sept 2012

03 October 2009 September 2012 Head of Governance

St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Table of Contents

Page

1.

Introduction & General Principles

3

2.

Responsibilities

3

3.

Uniform

4

4.

Limitations on Wearing Uniforms

4

5.

Laundering of Uniforms

5

5.1

5

Soiled Uniforms

6.

Maternity Wear

5

7.

New Starters

5

8.

Replacement Uniforms

5

9.

Staff Leaving the Trust Employment

5

10.

Bank/Agency Staff

6

11.

Students/Cadets

6

12.

Wearing of Scrubs & Scrub-Style Tunic & Trousers

6

13.

White Coats

6

14.

General Standards

6

15.

Allowance on the Grounds of Religion, Creed or Culture

8

16.

Dress Code

8

Appendix 1 – Uniforms per Staff Group

9

This policy is to be read in conjunction with following the policies and documents: a. Infection Control Manual – Chapter 20 Uniform Laundry Policy b. Infection Control Manual – Chapter 5 Personal Protective Equipment Policy c. A Strategy for Learning Together

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

1.

Introduction and General Principles The purpose of this document is to:
Set out the Trust’s policy with regard to staff uniforms / dress code
Inform staff and managers of the policy so that they can implement and monitor compliance As employees, the image presented to patients, visitors and other staff reflects the view people have of St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals Trust. For this reason, you are asked to be aware of presentation of self and to adhere to this policy at all times when representing the Trust. All employees are to abide by the terms and conditions, and policies related to their employment. This policy is designed to ensure that the wearing of uniform is consistent across the Trust and in line with the standards set out below. Failure to adhere to this policy may be deemed to be a disciplinary offence. This policy refers to all staff both male and female. Non-uniformed staff must be dressed in clean smart clothing which must accord with the standards required by the manager and with due consideration for personal and patient safety.

2.

Responsibilities

3.


Staff who have special circumstances or needs, including those with disabilities and/or ethnicity issues should discuss their needs with their Line Manager or Head of Department.
Some departments within the Trust will authorise the wearing of specialty specific uniforms e.g. theatres, ICU. Each employee must adhere to specialty specific uniform requirements in conjunction with this policy.
It is the responsibility of each individual employee to ensure that when required to wear protective clothing for the purpose of their role they do so.
It is the responsibility of the Trust to ensure that employees are provided with suitable and sufficient protective clothing to undertake their duties in a safe manner and that any equipment provided is maintained to a high standard.
It is the responsibility of the Trust to provide training for employees who use personal protective equipment to undertake their duties. It is the responsibility of the employee to co-operate with their employer and attend training sessions which have been provided for this purpose.
Theatre scrubs are not to be worn outside of the theatre/mortuary environment Uniform

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

The purpose of the wearing a uniform is to:





minimise cross infection maintain professional appearance enable easy identification protect staff and patients from trauma/injury and promote health and safety

Uniformed staff must wear a clean, pressed uniform which is appropriate for their grade/area of work (see Appendix 1). The uniform is unique to the Trust and makes a member of staff identifiable as a Trust employee. Therefore, uniforms should be worn correctly, with no unauthorised adaptation or alteration. Travelling in uniform (excluding community staff/hospital at home staff) must be kept to a minimum. Staff not living in hospital accommodation must make full use of the changing facilities provided. N.B. No alterations are to be made to uniforms supplied to staff unless undertaken by the sewing room 4.

Limitations on Wearing Uniforms The wearing of uniform outside the hospital grounds when off duty is strongly discouraged (i.e. to and from work). Ideally, when not on the Trust premises, staff without changing facilities should ensure that their uniform is completely covered by a long coat unless the weather is so warm as to make the wearer uncomfortable. Wearing uniform outside of hospital other than to travel directly to and from work/performing Trust duties is not permitted. Staff attending occasions outside of the hospital and wishing to wear uniform as a representative of the hospital must have the authority from their manager.

5.

Laundering of Uniforms The Trust provides facilities for those staff who wish to have their uniform laundered by the organisation. However, many prefer to launder their own uniforms and those who do so must launder their uniforms in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Trust’s Control of Infection Department as follows:
Uniforms should be transported in a separate bag, then washed separately from other clothing in a hot wash (60°C).

5.1


This should be followed by hot tumble dryer and/or hot ironing. Soiled Uniforms Whilst on Duty

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Any uniform that is soiled during working hours must be replaced immediately and the soiled uniform is to be placed in a red alginate laundry bag. During normal working hours clean uniforms may be borrowed via the sewing room. Out of hours disposable scrubs will be available on C2 for Medical Care Group staff and on G4 for Surgical Care Group staff. 6.

Maternity Wear White Trust maternity dresses are available. Larger size uniforms are available if preferred. Staff requiring a maternity uniform should approach the sewing room where a pool stock will be kept. Staff will be issued with maternity wear in accordance with their working hours. Maternity wear will be lent not given and must be returned to the sewing room upon return to work following birth. A failure to comply may result in a charge to that individual.

7.

New Starters All new starters are required to attend the sewing room with a signed uniform verification/authorisation form to collect their individually named uniforms. (Specially ordered uniforms take up to 4 – 6 weeks).

8.

Replacement Uniforms New uniforms will only be issued on return of old uniforms and production of an verification/authorisation form signed by the line manager. New uniforms will be within 4 weeks (wherever possible).

9.

Staff Leaving Trust Employment Staff leaving the Trust employment are required to return their uniforms to the sewing room. Failure to do so may result in a charge being made.

10. Bank/Agency Staff Bank staff will be issued with 1-2 dresses or 1-2 tunic/trousers (if available). Unqualified staff will be issued with grey striped uniforms, with all qualified staff being issued with blue striped uniforms. Agency staff are to wear the uniform as outlined in their staff handbook and comply with the principles detailed in this policy.

11. Students and Cadets

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Students/cadets will be issued uniforms by their education institution. Students and cadets must comply with the principles outlined in this policy whilst working in within the Trust. 12. Wearing of Scrubs and Scrub Style Tunic & Trousers Theatre and Anaesthetic Scrub suits Male and female staff working within theatre/anaesthetics must wear the designated theatre scrub suits found in these areas. At no time are these to be worn outside of the theatre area and must be laundered through the laundry service. Dirty scrubs should be placed in the appropriate skips within theatres only. Scrubs worn in emergency situations e.g. Anaesthetist being called to a cardiac arrest, are to be covered with a gown and change clothing upon return to original department Emergency Department/ICU/Burns /Endoscopy Male and female staff working within the above areas may wear the designated theatre scrub suits provided by these departments Radiology Designated staff undertaking fluoroscopic / interventional procedures may wear theatre scrub suits provided by the department – in accordance with the principles of this policy. 13.

White Coats White coats will be issued to doctors on production of an authorisation/ verification form signed by their line manager.

14. General Standards Hair Hair should be clean, neat and tidy. Hair styles should be appropriate to the wearing of a professional uniform. Only necessary hair accessories may be worn. Anything likely to inflict injury on a patient must not be worn. Hair that is at collar length or longer must be both tied back and worn up so as not to reach below the collar or fall into the face when leaning forward. Hair gel is not to be worn in clinical areas.

Personal Care/Make-up

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Nails are to be clean, short and without nail lacquer. False or acrylic nails are not permitted in clinical areas. Make-up is to be discreet and the use of strong perfumes/aftershaves avoided. Male staff should be clean shaven - or a beard/ moustache kept neat and tidy. Jewellery Jewellery must not be worn with the uniform, with the exception of a single plain band ring (no stones) and 1 pair of small, plain gold or silver ear studs (1 only per ear lobe). No other body jewellery of any kind may be visibly worn by staff involved in direct patient care. Wristwatches must not be worn but securely pinned (similarly to a fob watch) to the uniform to prevent any hazards to patients. SOS chains and bracelets should be attached to the inside of the uniform. Charity bands are not to be worn in clinical areas. Badges The Trust ‘identification badge’ stating name and title and ‘photo-badge’ are the only badges to be worn and must be displayed at all times during working hours. Replacements are available via Workforce Planning Department. A maximum of two other badges, for example a professional or union badge may be worn. These must be worn with due regard for patient safety. Novelty type badges are not acceptable with exception to those approved for wear in Paediatric areas. Sweatshirts and Cardigans Additional garments which may be worn over uniform within the hospital:
A plain cardigan corresponding with the uniform colour. These must not be worn at the bedside or when providing direct patient care. Shoes and Hosiery Shoes are to be a full plain black, navy or white, flat heeled, leather/leather type (not suede) with quiet soles and supportive, either in a lace up or slip on design which are not likely to slip. Shoes must be clean, polished and in good repair. Health and Safety Regulations are not discretionary, therefore open toe sandals or shoes are not permitted. It is recommended that staff keep specific footwear designated solely for use when working within a hospital clinical area. In certain departments safety footwear MUST be worn by the following staff – catering; maintenance service managers; maintenance staff; supervisors; estate officers and electricians Trainers are acceptable within designated areas e.g. Emergency Department provided they are clean and within the same colour range as shoes. Clogs may be worn with scrub style uniform only in the theatre/maternity area.

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Tights/stockings are to be of a suitable colour in line with uniform being worn. In the summer discretion may be allowed in the wearing of tights/socks in accordance with the managers instructions. Shoes/sandals are to be worn at all times i.e. no bare feet. Ties If ties are worn during direct patient care, these must either be tucked in or a tie pin used. Eating and Smoking Eating in uniform is only permitted in the designated areas, i.e. staff dining room. Smoking is not allowed in Trust buildings and is to be in accordance with the Trust No Smoking Policy. Tattoos Tattoos are to be discreetly covered whilst on duty. 15. Allowances on the Grounds of Religion, Creed or Culture Any member of staff wishing to wear a particular type of clothing or jewellery for religious, creed or cultural reasons will be asked to discuss this with their Line Manager, who will not withhold approval unreasonably. If approval is denied, an appeal may be made in writing to the Director of Human Resources and ultimately to the Trust Board. Any member of staff wishing to vary this policy on the grounds of disability or health will require a written recommendation from Trust’s Occupational Health Department which is to be forwarded to their Line Manager. 16. Dress Code Non-uniformed staff must be dressed in clean smart clothing which must accord with the standards required by the manager and with due consideration for personal and patient safety.

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Appendix 1

Uniforms Per Staff Group Burns Unit

Maroon scrubs whilst on the unit. General ward area uniforms are worn when not on the unit

Cadet Nurses

Petrol blue dresses/tunics

Catering Staff Chefs:

White chefs’ tunic, black and white striped chefs’ trousers. Chefs’ hat and black/white safety footwear shoes

Ward Hostesses:

Mint green overall and mint green tabard

Dining Room Assistants:

Lilac overall and lilac tabard

Crèche Staff

Pale blue wide striped tunic with white piping and navy blue trousers

Critical Care

Plain blue scrubs

Emergency Department Female/Male Nursing Staff:

Blue scrubs and coloured epaulets from list below Yellow epaulette = Auxiliary staff Green epaulette = Qualified Nursing staff Maroon epaulette = Emergency Nurse Practitioner Navy epaulette = Sister/Charge Nurse

Senior Sister/Charge Nurse:

Navy blue scrubs (no epaulettes)

Nurse Consultant:

Maroon Scrubs

Matrons:

As general areas list

Paediatric Nursing Staff:

Blue scrubs with child friendly epaulettes

Medical Support Workers: Grey scrubs Receptionist Staff:

Red print blouse and skirt or navy blue trousers

Female/Male Medical Staff:

Green Scrubs

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Endoscopy

Turquoise scrubs with Endoscopy logo

General Ward Areas Female Qualified Staff:

Pale blue striped tunic/dress with white piping and navy blue trousers

Male Qualified Staff:

White ‘V’ neck tunic with pale blue striped epaulet and navy blue trousers

Female Midwives:

Plain royal blue tunic/dress with white piping and navy blue trousers

Male Midwives:

White ‘V’ neck tunic with royal blue epaulet and navy blue trousers

Female Auxiliary Staff:

Grey striped tunic/dress with white piping and navy blue trousers

Male Auxiliary Staff:

White ‘V’ neck tunic with grey striped epaulet and navy blue trousers

Female Staff Band 6:

Lilac striped tunic/dress with white piping and navy blue trousers

Male Staff Band 6:

White ‘V’ neck tunic with lilac striped epaulet and navy blue trousers

Ward Manager Staff:

Navy wide striped tunic/dress and navy blue trousers

Nurse Specialist:

Plain navy blue tunic/dress with white piping and navy blue trousers

Matron Staff:

Dark grey wide striped tunic and black trousers

Ward Clark Staff:

Navy blue blouse with white spade design and navy blue trousers/skirt

Housekeeping Staff:

Mint green striped tunic/dress with white piping and navy blue trousers

Domestic Staff:

Aqua plain tunic with aqua stripe contrast and navy blue trousers

Linen Staff:

Pale blue tunic with plain navy piping and navy blue trousers

Mortuary Staff:

Pale green theatre scrubs

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Neurophysiology Neurophysiology staff:

White tunics with royal blue piping & navy trousers

Occupational Therapy Male Uniform:

White tunic with green piping. White polo shirt with green piping both have PCT symbol on them. Green trousers or shorts

Female uniform:

White tunic with green piping. White polo shirt with green piping both have PCT symbol on them. Green trousers, shorts or culottes

Paediatric Wards Staff Nurses:

White tunic + child friendly motif + navy blue trousers

Enrolled Nurses

White tunic + child friendly motif + navy blue trousers

All other staff:

Uniforms worn are the same as those from the general ward area list

Pathology

White coats are worn over staff’s own clothes

Pharmacy Pharmacist Staff:

Own clothes

Secretarial Staff:

Own clothes

Technician Staff:

White tunic with black trousers/skirt

Assistant Tech Staff:

Aqua tunic with black trousers/skirt

Phlebotomy

White tunics

Physiotherapy Male uniform:

White tunic with navy blue piping. White polo shirt with navy blue piping both have PCT symbol on them. Navy blue trousers or shorts

Female uniform:

White tunic with navy blue piping. White polo shirt with navy blue piping both have PCT symbol on them. Navy blue trousers, shorts or culottes

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St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Dress Code and Uniform Policy V03 October 2009 – September 2012

Portering staff

Pale blue polo shirt, navy blue trousers and navy blue sweatshirt. Black safety shoes. Navy blue wet weather three quarter length coats

Radiology Male Radiographers:

White tunic with maroon piping and black trousers

Female Radiographers:

White tunic with maroon piping and maroon trousers

Interventional Radiologist

Maroon scrubs

Fluoroscopy Radiographers

Blue scrubs

Security Staff

White shirt with black epaulets depicting the word security, black tie and black trousers. Black jumper with black epaulets displaying the word security

Student Nurses

As per Education Institution + University Logo

Theatres

Pale green theatre scrubs Hats to be worn: Blue = All qualified Staff Yellow = Health Care Assistants White = 1st Year Students Green = 2nd & 3rd Year Students Pink = All Visitors

N.B. All staff must change into outdoor clothes if attending anywhere else in the hospital

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