Uniform and Laundering Policy - NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

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7.4 Uniform and Infection Risk7.4.1 Laundry ClassificationFor laundering classification purposes, 2 categories of uniform have been identified:Used uniformWhere a uniform has been worn in conjunction with appropriate PPE and is not visiblycontaminated with blood or body fluids, there is no evidence that it poses any risk tohealthcare workers or the public. Used uniforms can be laundered at home inaccordance with the Home Laundering Guidelines (Appendix 4),orWhere available, uniforms can also be laundered in accordance with local UniformLaundering procedure (Appendix 2).Soiled/Contaminated uniformA contaminated uniform includes a uniform which has become contaminated with bloodor other body fluids, or a uniform which Infection Control advise should be treated ascontaminated. Should a uniform become contaminated, staff should adhere to thefollowing:Contaminated uniforms must be sent to the local laundry facility (Appendix 3). Homelaundering is NOT appropriate for contaminated uniform. Refer to Appendix 5 forcontingency arrangements.Staff are reminded that the risk of cross-infection is minimal from a uniform which has beenproperly protected by the correct use of personal protective clothing. A uniform should beprotected from contamination during health care activity. Plastic aprons should be worn toprotect uniforms from contamination. (Refer to Athena for guidance on PPE within the Health &Safety Manual and Infection Control Manual).There is also contingency arrangements in place for mid- shift changes, should a uniformbecome heavily soiled/contaminated. (See Appendix 5).8. Review and monitoringThis policy will be monitored and reviewed every two years or sooner in light of any legislativechanges or national NHS changes.
Guidance Note 1NHSSCOTLAND DRESS CODEEvidence-based Principles to inform local policies for StaffThe way staff dress sends messages to the patients they care for, and to the public about theirprofessionalism and standards of care.These guidelines reflect evidence-based good practice and aim to set out core principles thatshould inform the development of local policy. The following principles are by no means exhaustive,but are intended to give some examples of the issues which Boards should consider. Theseguidelines set out standards of dress for all staff, including those who do not wear a uniform.In developing local uniform and workwear policies, Boards should conduct a full risk assessment toensure that local policy is appropriate for different categories of staff. Boards should look to supportstaff in complying with both the needs of the service and any disability, religious or culturalrequirements.Boards must ensure that where appropriate, their dress code policies comply with theseprinciples:‣ Staff must dress in a professional manner which is likely to inspire public confidence; for example: in clean uniform (where uniform is a requirement), which has been launderedin accordance with the Uniform Laundering Policy (Section 3). When providing patient care, hair should be tied back off the collar, with nails kept shortand clean. Wear clear identifiers (e.g. badges etc). Where changing facilities are available, staff should change into and out of uniform atwork and should change out of their uniform at the earliest opportunity at the end of theirshift. It is preferable that staff should avoid undertaking activities in public, such asshopping, whilst wearing their uniform, except where such activities form an integral partof their duties.‣ Appropriate steps must be taken to adhere to good practice, and to minimise the risks ofinfections and cross contamination for patients and the public; for example: staff should wear short-sleeved shirts/blouses and avoid wearing whitecoats or neck ties when providing patient care; staff may wear full length sleeves whennot engaged in patient care activity; Staff should not wear false nails or hand or wrist jewellery (other than a plain weddingring or one other plain band) when providing patient care. Where for religious reasons, staff wish to cover their forearms during patient care activity,it is acceptable to wear disposable over-sleeves where gloves are used, with strictadherence to hand and wrist washing before and after use. Over-sleeves must bedisposed of as disposable gloves. Where for religious reasons, staff wish to cover their upper forearms during patient careactivity, it is acceptable to wear three-quarter length sleeves. Three-quarter lengthsleeves must not be loose or dangling. They must be able to be rolled or pulled back andkept securely in place during hand-washing and direct patient care activity.‣ All appropriate health and safety requirements for staff should be met for example: Staff should not wear excessive jewellery; Staff should wear soft-soled, closed toe shoes; Staff should not carry pens or scissors in outside breast pockets.
Page 2 and 3: Is this a new policy?If ‘yes’ w
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