Uniforms being worn in public

As a retired nurse I am flabbergasted that no one has clamped down on health workers continuing to wear their uniforms and work footwear in public. I see them on buses.in supermarkets, food shops , walking the dog etc. When I was nursing it was compulsory to change only within place of work( with the exception of district and home care workers) as it was deemed a strong likelihood of spreading infection out with the hospital. Never once have I heard this mentioned over this pandemic

Why the contribution is important

As above This practice spreads infections.

by Govscotland on May 05, 2020 at 01:57PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 56 votes

Comments

  • Posted by JohnStewart May 05, 2020 at 14:45

    Obviously a good idea.

  • Posted by Julie May 05, 2020 at 15:14

    In years gone by wearing a uniform coming to or leaving work was a disciplinary matter. It stopped the spread of infection from and to the hospital. Staff also had to wear regulation footwear so it was obvious if they had not changed their shoes.

    Uniforms were also laundered on the premises for the same reason.

    Perhaps it is not being done because there are no longer the facilities for it but it would help infection control.

  • Posted by DrT May 05, 2020 at 15:57

    Current NHS Scotland policy is that uniform should not be worn outside in the community unless on NHS business. That said, many staff sadly flout the rules. I agree that there should be strict adherence to uniform policy for infection control purposes and to enhance NHS professions in the eyes of the public.

  • Posted by Jane May 05, 2020 at 17:11

    Fully support this - should not be happening. In hospital sites staff in scrubs etc are in shared confined spaces in shops and food points.

  • Posted by morvenghunter May 05, 2020 at 17:38

    I actually said this the other day when I saw someone in our community wearing a uniform. I remember it never being allowed to wear your uniform outwith the hospital environment and I don’t think it should be happening now

  • Posted by slf May 05, 2020 at 19:04

    Having uniforms laundered in the hospital would help nurses and stop infection, as someone else commented. I think more has to be done to support nurses. Providing free car parking. Insisting they take their one half hour break during their twelve and a half hour shift.
    My sister is a nurse and the hours they are expected to work with very few breaks or sometimes none if it's busy is ridiculous.

    I'm sure a lot of nurses are grateful to Prince William, Boris Johnston and other well known figures clapping every thursday night but would maybe feel more appreciated if they were offered better pay and conditions?

  • Posted by carerbear May 06, 2020 at 00:13

    Absolutely. We always had to change our clothing. It is basic hygiene.

  • Posted by Gus1985 May 06, 2020 at 08:48

    I think a lot are wearing it as they are getting free food, special service wherever they go just now and it makes them more recognisable as nhs in uniform without the need to show a badge.

  • Posted by Ballater24 May 06, 2020 at 11:51

    This is great in theory

    Hospitals have very limited changing facilities and nothing at all for many staff groups.

    Further many of us have bought our own scrubs because the NHS wont provide them - I have a shared office space and nowhere to change.

    Invest in your hospitals and maybe we can do this.

    Meantime please keep the righteous indignation under control.

  • Posted by NanaLaura May 06, 2020 at 15:58

    Fully support this idea and infrastructures should have to change if necessary to make it practicable

  • Posted by kierstenhenderson May 06, 2020 at 18:05

    NHS Highland no longer provide laundry service for uniforms (unless particularly soiled). However as a staff nurse I am well aware that wearing my uniform outside the work area is unprofessional and can result in disciplinary action. I get very frustrated when I see nursing staff ouside the hospital in uniform and have no hesitation in challenging them. If the public challenge them too they may get the message.

  • Posted by Alotman May 07, 2020 at 23:00

    Fully support this. Only today saw nhs worker in their uniform in supermarket. Total disgrace. How many germs are being carried out and also brought into vulnerable people not to mention these people's own families. Has no one spoken to them about basic hygiene.

  • Posted by JingsCrivens May 08, 2020 at 07:59

    I agree, if we ensure hospitals have laundry facilities and adequate uniforms.

    Meanwhile I have seen many online posts about similar topics, and the presence of incomers. Clearly these should be minimised, but follow the advice to stay at home, and to wash your hands, and you'll not be so worried about others behaviours.

  • Posted by cbellat May 09, 2020 at 16:42

    Fully agree. Also long hair should be tied back, no nail polish, no make up, no jewellery.

  • Posted by JustANumber May 10, 2020 at 14:52

    Its so they get special treatment for being special and more important than the 'general public'.
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