RCN responds to introduction of uniforms in Wales

Published: 07 May 2009

The Royal College of Nursing has said that nurse uniforms instill a sense of pride and boost morale. The comments come as colour-coded nursing staff uniforms, intended to help patients differentiate between staff roles, were unveiled in Wales.

Director of RCN Wales, Tina Donnelly said:

"Uniforms can instil a sense of pride and community feeling and boost morale. Colour-coded uniforms will make it easier for patients and their families to recognise registered nurses and ward sisters. Availability of changing rooms and laundry services will cut down on hospital acquired infections".

RCN members will debate national uniforms at RCN Congress in Harrogate next week. In a resolution submitted by the RCN Association of Nursing Students, A uniform approach? RCN members will call on RCN Council to lobby for the introduction of a national uniform for all English NHS clinical staff. This is to promote the professional image of health care workers and ensure patients can easily identify the staff caring for them.

In Wales, ward sisters will wear navy blue, clinical specialist nurses royal blue, staff nurses sky blue and health care support workers will wear green.