The National Health Service of Wales, UK, is beginning plans to introduce a national uniform for nurses across the country based upon design standards created by a task force studying the issue.

Articles describing the plan for standardized uniforms for nurses cite infection control and the public's need to be able to readily identify healthcare workers as reasons for the standardization of uniforms in hospitals throughout this small country located to the west of England. 

WalesOnline states that concerns have been growing regarding nosocomial infections such as MRSA, and that nurses completing their shifts generally leave their facilities without changing their clothes, potentially spreading infection from the hospital into the general populace. It is also pointed out that nurses and healthcare workers should not be expected to wash their uniforms at home, a practice that unnecessarily exposes healthcare workers' families to potential infection. With such infections in mind, the new uniform would most likely have antimicrobial properties that would reduce the risk of spreading oragnisms from patient to patient. The garment would also be designed with side zippers or buttons which would allow the nurse to remove a stained or soiled garment without pulling it over the head and exposing the nurse's own mucous membranes to further risk of contamination. 

Reports by the BBC state that the uniform, while yet to be produced, would also incorporate a color code that would allow members of the general public to easily idenfity various members of the healthcare team, citing studies which describe patients' confusion due to the lack of uniformity in how healthcare workers are dressed on hospital units and wards. Based on studies, uniform standards are believed to be a key to consumer satisfaction, public trust in the healthcare system, as well as infection control inside and outside of the hospital. 

Here in the US, nurses and healthcare workers wear brightly colored and patterned scrubs which they purchase on their own. It is widely accepted that healthcare workers will launder their own uniforms and scrubs at home, and it is also normal to see nurses and other healthcare workers shopping in food stores and other public locations while wearing clothing also worn at work. This practice does not seem to be questioned, even as handwashing and other infection control measures are propragated and encouraged.

Interestingly, the movement towards uniforms for Welsh nurses for infection control and ease of identification does not seem to effect doctors. Despite the use of the common white lab coat---which may or may not protect doctors' clothing from infection---this writer would be very surprised if doctors in any country would willingly submit to a dress code demanding the use of uniforms. 

The Welsh movement towards uniformity and hospital-based cleaning of nurses' uniforms may indeed decrease infection and increase consumer satisfaction. We would be well served to observe the process, assess the results of their efforts, and consider the potential effectiveness of such an undertaking.  

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NurseKeith is a writer, blogger, nurse and consultant. Please feel free to visit his blog, Digital Doorway .  

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