The Royal College of Midwives is currently asking its members about their views on uniforms. Questions such as should the uniform be trousers and tunic, should there be a national uniform across the entire NHS, should the midwives wear scrubs, a dress, trousers and polo shirt? This is a topic that raises passions. Should midwives have a different uniform to nurses in order that the public identify the difference. Or should all caring staff dress alike.
While visiting a local hospital with its own maternity unit a few years ago, the Trust policy was that all care staff wear a white tunic and navy trousers. They looked very smart and corporate. However, the only way to discover whether the staff member was the a nurse, midwife, breastfeeding supporter, health care assistant, physio or whatever was to peer at their (tiny) name badge. Spotting the right member of staff was not easy.
So, does it matter? Uniforms are great for distinguishing who are staff, but within that group, is further identification needed?
